Secure, remote biometric enrollment

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods facilitate enrollment of authenticating biometric data for authenticating an authorized user via a biometric sensor. A data input device and a power source are operatively coupled to a smart card including a fingerprint sensor. An activation code input by the user interacting with the data input device is compared with a predefined activation code, and if the detected activation code matches the predefined activation code, a fingerprint template is enrolled from fingerprint data received from the fingerprint sensor, all without transmitting data from either the power source or the data input device to any device other than the smart card.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/222,388 filed Dec. 17, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,769,512, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/216,229 filed Dec. 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,906, therespective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/222,388 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/921,297, filed Mar. 14, 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,282,651, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/475,550 filedMar. 23, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/525,475 filed Jun.27, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/580,171 filed Nov. 1,2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/597,674 filed Dec. 12, 2017,and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/627,398 filed Feb. 7, 2018, therespective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,229 claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/597,674 filed Dec. 12, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/627,398 filed Feb. 7, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/767,338 filed Nov. 14, 2018 the respective disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/222,388 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/921,297, filed Mar. 14, 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,282,651, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)of the filing dates of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.62/475,550 filed Mar. 23, 2017, U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 62/525,475 filed Jun. 27, 2017, U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/580,171 filed Nov. 1, 2017, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/597,674 filed Dec. 12, 2017, and U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/627,398 filed Feb. 7, 2018,the respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,229 claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of the filing dates of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/597,674 filed Dec. 12, 2017, U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/627,398 filed Feb. 7, 2018, and U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/767,338 filed Nov. 14, 2018the respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a fingerprint sensor installed on a devicethat has limited ability to provide feedback to a user or obtaininstructions from the user, such as, for example, smart cards, fitnessmonitors, wearables, domestic and industrial appliances, automotivecomponents, and “internet of things” (IOT) devices.

BACKGROUND

In the electronic sensing market, there are a wide variety of sensorsfor sensing objects at a given location. Such sensors are configured tosense detectable and/or measurable characteristics of an object in orderto sense the presence of an object near or about the sensor and otherfeatures and characteristics of the object being sensed. Such “sensecharacteristics” may include a variety of detectable characteristics,such as electronic, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, thermal, opticalcharacteristics, among others.

It is now common to see fingerprint sensors installed on devices such assmartphones. A fingerprint sensor installed on a smart phone can be usedto verify the identity of the user. The fingerprint sensor can also beused as a data entry or a control mechanism for the smart phone. Forexample, the fingerprint sensor can detect a position of the finger onits surface and translate the position of the finger as an instructionto select a function of the smart phone or to navigate within menusbeing displayed by the smart phone.

As fingerprint sensors are gaining in recognition and user acceptance,fingerprint sensors are finding use in numerous other devices such as asmart cards, fitness monitors, wearables, domestic and industrialappliances, automotive components, and internet of things (IOT) devices.Some devices, such as smart cards and IOT devices, have limited to nouser interfaces or status indicators such as screens, speakers, LEDs,and audio signals. Such devices may also have limited to no user inputmechanisms in order to receive user input due to an absence of akeyboard, switches, buttons, and levers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fingerprint sensor installed on adevice with limited ability to provide feedback to or obtaininstructions from a user wherein the fingerprint sensor provides a dataentry or a control mechanism for the device. The fingerprint sensor mayhave a prime purpose of verifying the user's identity, but can alsofunction as convenient way to control or enter data into a device withlimited ability to provide feedback to or obtain instructions.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,129,926 “Navigation Tool,” the respective disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a navigation toolfor connecting to a display device, comprising at least two sensorelements having known positions relative to each other, each sensorelement being coupled to detector means for recording a change in apredetermined parameter and timing means for determining the time ofchange at each sensor element and calculating means for calculating thedirection and speed of the recorded changes based on the relativepositions of the sensor elements and the duration between the recordedchanges.

International Patent Application No. PCT/NO02/00468, “NavigationConcept,” the respective disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference, describes an electronic unit, and method for providing inputto the electronic unit, the unit comprising a sensor being capable ofsensing direction of a movement over the sensor, and the methodcomprising the steps of: sensing the direction of a movement,categorizing the sensed direction into a chosen number of categories,said categories each being related to one or more signs, e.g.,characters, on the ending of said movement, providing the related signor command to the electronic unit as input.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014-0300574 “Biometric Sensing”the respective disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,describes a dual grid touchscreen with clusters of drive and pick uplines resulting in an impedance sensor that operate in dual resolutionprocessing modes, i.e., in low or high resolution mode, in order totrack motion of an object creating a touch input.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not anextensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended toneither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matternor delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present someconcepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

In one example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprises atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor elements, and a processorconfigured to process signals generated by the sensor elements and to beselectively placed in a fingerprint sensing mode and a data input mode.In the data input mode, the processor is configured to determine inwhich of two or more spatially distinct regions of the array each sensorelement that generates a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element is located to effect adata input based on which spatially distinct region is contacted by thefinger surface. In the fingerprint sensing mode, the processor isconfigured to detect variations in signals generated by sensor elementsin detectable proximity to the finger surface that are indicative offeatures of a fingerprint of the finger surface and to form an image ofthe fingerprint of the finger surface.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa two-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element, a data input deviceoperatively placed on the array and defining two or more spatiallydistinct regions of the array, and a processor. The processer isconfigured to detect and distinguish contact with each of the two ormore spatially distinct regions of the array when the data input deviceis operatively placed on the array and to detect variations in signalsgenerated by sensor elements in detectable proximity to the fingersurface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of the fingersurface and to form an image of the fingerprint of the finger surfacewhen the data input device is not operatively placed on the array.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa two-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element, a data input deviceoperatively placed on the array and defining two or more spatiallydistinct regions of the array, and a processor. The processor isconfigured to detect and distinguish contact with each of the two ormore spatially distinct regions of the array and to detect anauthentication code entered by a user contacting the two or morespatially distinct regions in a specified sequence when the data inputdevice is operatively placed on the array and to detect variations insignals generated by sensor elements in detectable proximity to thefinger surface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of thefinger surface and to form an image of the fingerprint of the fingersurface after a correct authentication code has been detected.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint with atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements—each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element—comprises detectingcontact by a user's finger with different spatially distinct regions ofthe array of sensor elements, detecting a code entered by the usercontacting different spatially distinct regions of the array in asequence, and authenticating the detected code if it matches apredefined activation code, and, if the detected code matches thepredefined activation code, storing one or more fingerprint imagesformed when the user places a finger on the array of sensor elements.

In another example, a device comprises a sensor with a removable datainput device over the sensor. The removable data input device comprisesa pattern of windows defining spatially distinct regions of the sensor.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element, adata input device operatively coupled to the array and including two ormore data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of the array, and a processor. Theprocessor is configured to detect and distinguish contact with each datainput key via a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinctdata input regions of the array associated with that data input key whenthe data input device is operatively coupled to the array and to detectvariations in signals produced by sensor elements in detectableproximity to the finger surface that are indicative of features of afingerprint of the finger surface and to form an image of thefingerprint of the finger surface when the data input device is notoperatively coupled to the array.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa fingerprint sensor comprising an array of capacitive sensor elements,each sensor element being configured to produce a contact signal whencontacted by a finger and a data input device configured to be removablyattached to a host device incorporating the fingerprint sensor andincluding two or more data input keys. Each data input key is remotelycoupled with one or more associated data input regions of the array sothat the sensor elements encompassed by the associated data input regionproduce a contact signal when a user touches the data input key.

In another example, a data input system comprises a host device with asensor and a data input device removably disposed over the sensor. Thedata input device comprises two or more data input keys, and each datainput key is associated with one or more spatially distinct data inputregions of a sensing area of the sensor.

In another example, a data input device that is removably attachablewith respect to an array of contact sensor elements comprises two ormore data input keys remotely disposed with respect to a portion of thedata input device covering the array, each data input key comprising aconductive key trace disposed on the data input device, a conductivesensing area activation trace associated with each data input key andconfigured to be disposed over a spatially discrete portion of the arraywhen the data input device is removably attached with respect to thearray, and a conductive connecting trace electrically connecting eachconductive key trace with the associated sensing area activation trace.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart cardcontaining a fingerprint sensor comprises connecting the smart card to apower source, entering an activation code by using a finger to contacttwo or more data input keys of a data input device attached to the smartcard in a sequence corresponding to the activation code, wherein aportion of the data input device is positioned over a sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor and each data input key is associated with one ormore spatially distinct data input regions of the sensing area, removinga portion of the data input device from the smart card to uncover thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor, contacting the sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor one or more times with a finger to enroll afingerprint template (i.e., a verification template of biometric data),and disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

In another example, a smart card comprises a card body capable ofdeflection along any axis lying in the plane of the card, a fingerprintsensor for authenticating a user of the smart card, a data storageelement storing an activation code, a data input device coupled to thefingerprint sensor to associate distinct areas of the data input devicewith distinct areas of the fingerprint sensor, each distinct area of thesensor corresponding to a uniquely identifiable portion of an activationcode, and a processor configured to translate a code input by a userinteracting with the fingerprint sensor via the data input device and tocompare the code input by the user with the stored activation code.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint sensorcomprises defining an activation code to initiate an enrollment processfor the fingerprint sensor and enabling a user to enter the activationcode into the fingerprint sensor by interacting with each of two or moredistinct portions of the fingerprint sensor. Each of the two or moredistinct portions of the fingerprint sensor corresponds to auniquely-identifiable portion of the activation code.

In another example a method for enrolling a fingerprint template (i.e.,a verification template of biometric data) on a smart card having afingerprint sensor comprises connecting one or more power transmissioncontacts of the smart card to a power source without connecting any datatransmission contacts of the smart card to a device configured totransmit or receive data, automatically activating an enrollment mode inthe fingerprint sensor upon a specific instance of connecting the one ormore power transmission contacts of the smart card to the power source,enrolling a fingerprint by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor, and upon completion of the enrolling step,automatically deactivating the enrollment mode in the fingerprintsensor.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint template on asmart card having a fingerprint sensor comprises connecting one or morepower transmission contacts of the smart card to a power source withoutconnecting any data transmission contacts of the smart card to a deviceconfigured to transmit data to or receive data from the smart card,determining if a fingerprint template has been enrolled for thefingerprint sensor of the smart card, if no fingerprint template hasbeen enrolled for the fingerprint sensor of the smart card,automatically activating an enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensorupon connecting the one or more power transmission contacts of the smartcard to the power source, enrolling a fingerprint by storing afingerprint template derived from one or more fingerprint imagesgenerated by placing a finger on the fingerprint sensor, and uponcompletion of the enrolling step, automatically deactivating theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element, adata input device, including a portion disposed over the array andincluding a pattern of piercings formed in the portion of the data inputdevice disposed over the array, wherein the piercings are spatiallyassociated with one or more spatially distinct data input regions of thearray, and a processor. The processer is configured to detect a fingerplaced in contact with the associated spatially distinct data inputregions of the array and to detect a pattern of signals produced by thespatially distinct data input regions contacted through the pattern ofpiercings.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element, adata input device, including a portion disposed over the array andincluding a pattern of conductive material applied to the portion of thedata input device disposed over the array, wherein the pattern isspatially associated with one or more spatially distinct data inputregions of the array, and a processor. The processor is configured todetect contact of the pattern of conductive material with the associatedspatially distinct data input regions of the array and to detect apattern of signals produced by the spatially distinct data input regionscontacted by the pattern of conductive material.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element, adata input device partially disposed over the array and including two ormore data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of a first portion of the array,and a cutout exposing a second portion of the array, and a processorconfigured to detect and distinguish contact with each data input keyvia a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinct data inputregions of the array associated with that data input key and to detectvariations in signals produced by sensor elements of the second portionof the array in detectable proximity to the finger surface that areindicative of features of a fingerprint of the finger surface.

In another example, a device including a fingerprint sensor and datainput system and comprises a plurality of sensor elements arranged in atwo-dimensional array, each sensor element being configured to produce asignal in response to a finger surface placed in detectable proximity tothe sensor element, two or more data input keys disposed on a portion ofthe device remote from the plurality of sensors, each data input keybeing coupled with one or more spatially distinct data input regions ofa first portion of the array so that contact with the data input keyresults in a signal produced by sensor elements within each spatiallydistinct data input region coupled to the data input key, and aprocessor. The processor is configured to detect and distinguish contactwith each data input key via a signal produced by the one or morespatially distinct data input regions of the array coupled with thatdata input key and to detect variations in signals produced by sensorelements of a second portion of the array in detectable proximity to thefinger surface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of thefinger surface.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart cardcontaining a fingerprint sensor comprises connecting the smart card to apower source, entering an activation code by using a finger to contacttwo or more data input keys of a data input device attached to the smartcard in a sequence corresponding to the activation code, wherein aportion of the data input device is positioned over a portion of thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor, and each data input key isassociated with one or more spatially distinct data input regions of aportion of the sensing area, contacting the portion of the sensing areaof the fingerprint sensor that is not covered by a portion of the datainput device one or more times with a finger to enroll a fingerprinttemplate, and disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint template on asmart card having a fingerprint sensor comprises connecting one or morepower transmission contacts of the smart card to a power source withoutconnecting any data transmission contacts of the smart card to a deviceconfigured to transmit or receive data, activating an enrollment mode inthe fingerprint sensor upon detection of a trigger event, enrolling afingerprint by storing a fingerprint template derived from one or morefingerprint images generated by placing a finger on the fingerprintsensor, and upon completion of the enrolling step, deactivating theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor.

In another example, the trigger event comprises one or more triggerevents selected from the list consisting of a. user interactions withthe biometric sensor assembly, b. placing a detectable object on thebiometric sensor assembly, c. removing a detectable object from thebiometric sensor assembly, d. detecting the absence of a storedverification template, e. detecting the presence of a storedverification template that is partially complete, f. detecting thatpower is being transmitted to the smart card for the first time, g.detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to the smartcard, h. detection that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts toderive a verification template has not been reached, I. activating aninput mechanism, j. expiration of a timer or counter, k. occurrence ofan error state, l. detection of a flag set last time the smart card wasinserted in a card reader that transmits data to or from the smart card,m. detection that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the card, n. detection of atrigger event by a component of the smart card other than the biometricsensor assembly, and o detection that a particular smart card has beencoupled to a particular non-data-transmitting power source.

In another example, a power source for a smart card comprises a powerelement, and a housing. The housing comprises a slot configured toreceive an end of the smart card and contacts connected to the powerelement. The contacts contact power transmission contact pads of thesmart card and do not contact data transmission contact pads of thesmart card when the smart card is inserted into the slot to therebyconnect the power transmission contact pads of the smart card to thepower element.

In another example, an overlay is configured to provide power to anelectronic device having terminals for connecting a source of electricpower to the electronic device, and the overlay is configured to beremovably secured to a surface of the electronic device. The overlaycomprises a film configured to conform to the surface of the electronicdevice when secured thereto, a power element supported on the film,conductive material disposed on or embedded in a surface of the film,wherein the conductive material connects the power element to theterminals of the electronic device when the overlay is secured to thesurface of the electronic device, and a circuit closure configured toenable a user to selectively close a power circuit between the powerelement and the terminals of the electronic device to enable powertransmission between the power element and the electronic device.

In another example, a method for enrolling a biometric template on anelectronic device having power terminals, data transmission terminals,and a biometric sensor comprises connecting an overlay to the electronicdevice, wherein the overlay is configured to provide power to theelectronic device from a power element mounted on the overlay to thepower terminals of the electronic device and to connect to the datatransmission terminals of the electronic device, closing a power circuitbetween the power element and the power terminals of the electronicdevice to enable power transmission between the power element and theelectronic device, triggering the biometric sensor to enter anenrollment mode, and generating the biometric template from biometricinputs from a user to the biometric sensor.

In another example, a finger guide is configured to be removablyattached to a device having a fingerprint sensor and comprises two ormore channels. Each channel is configured to position a finger placedthereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a different orientation.

In another example, a power source and finger guide for a smart cardincluding a fingerprint sensor comprise a power element, a card holderframe comprising one or more card guide rails into which the smart cardis inserted to position the cardholder frame with respect to the smartcard, and contacts connected to the power element, wherein the contactscontact power transmission contact pads of the smart card when the smartcard is inserted into the card guide rail to thereby connect the powertransmission contact pads of the smart card to the power element, and afinger guide attached to the card holder frame and comprising two ormore channels, wherein each channel is configured to position a fingerplaced thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a differentorientation.

In another example, a fingerprint sensor and data input system comprisesa plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element, adata input device partially disposed over the array and including two ormore data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of a first portion of the array,and a cutout exposing a second portion of the array, a processorconfigured to detect and distinguish contact with each data input keyvia a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinct data inputregions of the array associated with that data input key and to detectvariations in signals produced by sensor elements of the second portionof the array in detectable proximity to the finger surface that areindicative of features of a fingerprint of the finger surface, andfinger guide comprising two or more channels, wherein each channel isconfigured to position a finger placed thereon to contact thetwo-dimensional array at a different orientation.

In another example, a method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart cardcontaining a fingerprint sensor comprises connecting the smart card to apower source, entering into an enrollment mode upon determination of atrigger event, contacting the fingerprint sensor by placing the samefinger on each of two or more finger guide channels configured toposition the finger placed thereon in a unique orientation with respectto the fingerprint sensor to enroll a fingerprint template for thatfinger, and disconnecting the smart card from the power source afterenrolling the fingerprint template.

In another example, a method for re-enrolling a fingerprint on a smartcard containing a fingerprint sensor wherein at least one fingerprinttemplate has been previously enrolled comprises A. connecting the smartcard to a power source, B. entering into a re-enrollment mode upondetermination of a trigger event, C. contacting the fingerprint sensorby sequentially placing the same finger on each of two or more fingerguide channels configured to position the finger placed thereon in aunique orientation with respect to the fingerprint sensor to enroll afingerprint template for that finger, D. replacing the previouslyenrolled fingerprint template with a new fingerprint template formedfrom fingerprint images generated during step C or updating thepreviously enrolled fingerprint template with fingerprint imagesgenerated during step C, and E. disconnecting the smart card from thepower source.

In another example, a method for enrolling two or more fingerprints on adevice containing a fingerprint sensor comprises A. connecting thedevice to a power source; B. entering into a first enrollment mode upondetermination of a trigger event, C. enrolling a first fingerprinttemplate for a first finger, D. entering a subsequent enrollment modeupon determination of a trigger event, E. enrolling a subsequentfingerprint template for a subsequent finger different from a previouslyenrolled finger; F. determining if a required number of fingers has beenenrolled, G. if the required number of fingers has not been enrolled,return to step D, and H. if the required number of fingers has beenenrolled, disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

In another example, a system for enrolling a verification template ofbiometric data in a biometric-enabled smart card comprises anon-data-transmitting power source configured to be coupled to the smartcard to transmit power to the smart card without transmitting data to orfrom the smart card, wherein the non-data-transmitting power sourcecomprises a power element and a receptacle configured to receive an endof the smart card, and a biometric sensor assembly comprising one ormore sensor elements and associated circuitry for controlling operationof the one or more sensor elements and for processing signals from theone or more sensor elements. The biometric sensor assembly is configuredto be installed in the smart card whereby power is transmitted to thebiometric sensor assembly when the non-data-transmitting power source iscoupled to the smart card. The biometric sensor assembly is configuredto operate in an enrollment mode when power is transmitted to thebiometric sensor assembly by the non-data-transmitting power source.When operating in enrollment mode, the biometric sensor assembly isconfigured to derive and store a verification template of biometric datafrom one or more biometric images generated by the one or more sensorelements.

In another example a method for enrolling a biometric template on asmart card having a biometric sensor comprises inserting an end of thesmart card into a receptacle, transmitting power to the smart card fromthe receptacle without transmitting data to or from the smart card,causing the biometric sensor to operate in an enrollment mode, while thebiometric sensor is operating in enrollment mode, generating one or morebiometric images with the biometric sensor, deriving at least oneverification template of biometric data from the one or more biometricimages, storing the verification template, and after storing theverification template, terminating enrollment mode in the biometricsensor.

In another example, a device to facilitate the enrollment of averification template of fingerprint data in a fingerprintsensor-enabled smart card, the device comprises a receptacle configuredto be removably coupled to the smart card; a power element supported onthe receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to transmit powerfrom the power element to the fingerprint sensor of the smart card whenthe receptacle is coupled to the smart card; a finger guide attached tothe receptacle and comprising two or more finger guide channels, whereinthe finger guide is configured so that each finger guide channel isadjacent the fingerprint sensor of the smart card when the receptacle iscoupled to the smart card, and wherein each finger guide channel isconfigured to position a finger placed thereon to contact thefingerprint sensor at a different orientation; and two or more statusindicators, wherein each status indicator is associated with one fingerguide channel and is configured to instruct the user with respect to theplacement and removal of the user's finger with respect to theassociated finger guide channel.

In another example, method for enrolling a fingerprint template on asmart card having a fingerprint sensor comprises: (A) transmitting powerto the smart card from a power source removably coupled to the smartcard, the power source including a power element that provides power tothe fingerprint sensor and a finger guide comprising two or more fingerguide channels positioned adjacent to the fingerprint sensor of thesmart card when the power source is coupled to the smart card, andwherein each finger guide channel is configured to position a fingerplaced thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a differentorientation; and (B) during step (A), instructing the user with respectto the placement and removal of the user's finger with respect to eachfinger guide channel with a status indicator associated with the fingerguide channel.

Other features and characteristics of the subject matter of thisdisclosure, as well as the methods of operation, functions of relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts, and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the subjectmatter of this disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numbersindicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fingerprint sensor installed on a smart cardaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top views of a sensing area of the fingerprintsensor installed on a device according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a data input device in the form of an overlaytemporarily placed over the sensing area of the fingerprint sensorinstalled on a smart card according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4C are top plan views of a data input device in the form of anoverlay temporarily placed over the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor with different configurations of pierced holes according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a data input device in the form of a frameplaced over the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor installed on adevice according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a data input device in the form of a doublelayered overlay which may be temporarily placed over the sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a data input device in the form of an overlay withcomplex piercing patterns temporarily placed over the sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a data input device in the form of an overlay withdetectable printed patterns temporarily placed in contact with thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of calibration for the fingerprint sensoraccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a power source used with the fingerprint sensorinstalled on the smart card according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9B and 9C show a bottom view and top view, respectively, of thepower source according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9D and 9E show a perspective view and plan view, respectively, ofan alternative card holder/power source according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9F is a top perspective view of an alternative card holder/powersource without a card disposed in the card holder according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9G illustrates a transverse cross section of the card holder/powersource along the line F-F in FIG. 9F, with a card disposed in the cardholder according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9H illustrates a transverse cross section of a card holder/powersource similar to FIG. 9G and showing an alternative card holder/powersource according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate an embodiment of the power source in use withthe fingerprint sensor installed on the smart card.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate an embodiment of the power source in use withthe fingerprint sensor installed on the smart card.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an embodiment of the power source in use withthe fingerprint sensor installed on the smart card.

FIG. 13 illustrates a data input device in the form of an overlay whichincludes data input keys coupled to associated spatially distinctsensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor according tosome embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate a data input device in the form of amulti-layer overlay including data input keys coupled to associatedspatially distinct sensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment of the data input device in the formof an overlay including data input keys coupled to associated spatiallydistinct sensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor andincluding the use of spatially distinct reference areas of the sensingarea that are not coupled to associated data input keys for noisecancellation.

FIG. 15B illustrates an embodiment of the data input device in the formof an overlay including data input keys coupled to associated spatiallydiscrete portions of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor.

FIGS. 15C and 15D illustrate magnified views of sensing activationtraces placed over a sensing area according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 15E-15H illustrate embodiments of conductive material arrangementon the data input device in the form of an overlay when temporarilyplaced over the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate embodiments of a data input device in whicheach key comprises two conductive elements, each coupled to anassociated spatially distinct sensing areas on the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor, wherein contact with the key completes a circuitthrough the two conductive elements to ground.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a data inputdevice in the form of a single layer overlay with data input keyscoupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areas on the sensingarea of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the key is located on a firstside of the overlay and the overlay includes a conductive traceextending through the overlay to a conductive trace connected to anassociated spatially distinct sensing area on an opposite side of theoverlay.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a data inputdevice in the form of an overlay secured to opposed sides of a hostdevice and including data input keys on multiple surfaces of the hostdevice that are coupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areason the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a data input device including datainput keys on a remote keypad device and a data transfer cable couplingthe data input keys to associated spatially distinct sensing areas onthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a data input device including datainput keys coupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areas on thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the data input keys areremotely located from the sensing area and the data input device extendsoff of a surface of the host device.

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate an embodiment of a data input device in theform of an overlay comprising a power source for the fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 22 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a simple, costeffective method to enroll a fingerprint template on a device.

FIGS. 23A and 23B show flow charts illustrating embodiments of a simple,cost effective method to enroll a fingerprint template on a device.

FIG. 24 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a simple, costeffective method to enroll a fingerprint template on a device.

FIGS. 25A-25D illustrate embodiments of providing power to a smart cardwirelessly.

FIG. 26A illustrates an embodiment of a data input device in the form ofan overlay which includes data input keys coupled to associatedspatially distinct sensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor, wherein the data input keys are remotely located from thesensing area, and a portion of the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor is exposed through a cut-out while another portion is covered bythe overlay.

FIGS. 26B and 26C illustrate top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of adata input device in the form of a single-layer overlay including datainput keys coupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areas on aportion of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor that is covered bythe overlay and additionally including a cutout formed in the overlay toexpose a portion of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 27A illustrates an embodiment of arranging conductive material overthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 27B illustrates an embodiment of arranging conductive material overthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor including activation traceson a portion of the sensing area connected to data keys and referencetraces disposed between and adjacent the activation traces.

FIG. 28 illustrates a data input device in the form of a single-layeroverlay temporarily placed over a smart card according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate devices containing fingerprint sensors withdata input keys incorporated into the device according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 30-31 show flow charts illustrating embodiments of an enrollmentprocess employing a data input device in the form of an overlay in whicha portion of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor is exposed tothe user through a cutout formed in the overlay.

FIGS. 32-33 show flow charts illustrating embodiments of an enrollmentprocess on a device where data input keys and at least a portion of thefingerprint sensor are permanently available to the user.

FIG. 34A is a plan view of a data input device in the form of an overlayintegrating a power source with a host device disposed beneath theoverlay according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34B is a view of the data input device and host device with aportion of the overlay folded over to complete a power circuit to thehost device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34C is a plan view illustrating a surface of the data input devicethat is placed in contact with the smart card according to someembodiments.

FIG. 34D is a plan view illustrating a card placed on the data inputdevice according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34E is a plan view of an upper surface of the data input deviceaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 34F is a plan view of an overlay providing a power source to anelectronic host device disposed beneath the overlay according to someembodiments.

FIG. 35 is a plan view of an overlay providing a power source to anelectronic host device disposed beneath the overlay according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 36-37 show flow charts illustrating embodiments of an enrollmentprocess on a device.

FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of a host device having a fingerprintsensor and a removable finger guide disposed of thereon according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the finger guide according to someembodiments.

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the finger guide with directionalfinger placement arrows superimposed thereon according to someembodiments.

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of a finger guide disposed on a hostdevice (e.g., smartcard) according to some embodiments.

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of a card holder frame of a powersource/finger guide according to some embodiments.

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the cardholder frame shown in FIG.42.

FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the power source/finger guide of FIG.42 with a smart card inserted therein.

FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the power source/finger guide of FIG. 44with a smart card inserted therein.

FIGS. 46A-46B is a top plan view and a partial perspective view,respectively, of an embodiment of a power source/finger guide.

FIGS. 47A-47F illustrate an embodiment of a finger guide incorporatedinto a data input device in the form of an overlay comprising a powersource.

FIGS. 47G-47H illustrate an embodiment of a finger guide incorporatedinto an overlay comprising a power source.

FIGS. 47I-47L illustrate an embodiment of a finger guide comprising aslide switch.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are right and left partial perspective views of anembodiment of a finger guide.

FIGS. 49A, 49B, and 49C show a user grasping a smart card with afingerprint sensor and sensor guide using different channels of thefinger guide according to some embodiments.

FIG. 50 schematically shows verification template images generatedduring an enrollment according to some embodiments.

FIG. 51 schematically shows verification template images generatedduring a two-dimensional enrollment according to some embodiments.

FIG. 52 schematically shows verification template images generatedduring a three-dimensional enrollment according to some embodiments.

FIG. 53A is a top plan view of a finger guide according to someembodiments.

FIG. 53B shows a close up of a retaining pins and teeth between alinearly moveable panel and fixed guide rails of the finger guide shownin FIG. 53A.

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of a finger guide whereby two or more cutouts and associated finger guide channels are rotatably moveable withrespect to the sensing surface to selectively align the cut out with thesensing surface and place the associated finger guide channel inoperative proximity to the sensing surface according to someembodiments.

FIG. 55 is a top plan view of a base of a rotatable finger guideaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of a top part of a rotatable finger guideaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 57 is a side view of a position selector of a rotatable fingerguide according to some embodiments.

FIG. 58 shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method toenroll a biometric template.

FIG. 59 shows a flow chart further illustrating the embodiment of themethod to enroll the biometric template shown in FIG. 48.

FIGS. 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D show schematic illustrations of variousembodiments of angled channels.

FIGS. 61A, 61B, 61C show example profiles in cross-section of a raisedsection of a finger guide to illustrate how an elevation angle isachieved when the finger is tipped up by hitting the highest edge of theraised section nearest the sensing area according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 62A, 62B, and 62C show schematic illustrations of finger contactwith a fingerprint sensor using the fingerprint guide of FIGS. 48A and48B according to some embodiments.

FIG. 63 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process tore-enroll a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, based on atrigger event the causes the sensor to go into re-enrollment mode.

FIG. 64 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process forenrolling a fingerprint template in a fingerprint sensor-enabled smartcard, whereby after an enrollment process, determination is made as towhether a repeat enrollment procedure should be performed for adifferent finger.

FIG. 65 shows a top perspective view of a power source according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 66 shows a bottom perspective view of a power source according toone embodiment.

FIG. 67 shows a top view of one or more components of a power sourceaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 68 shows a power source and a smart card according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 69 is a table showing a list of indications according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 70 shows a power source and smart card with status indicator lightson the smart card visible through an opening in a receptacle of thepower source and arrows associating a status indicator light on thesmart card with a finger guide channel on the power source receptacle.

FIG. 71 shows a power source and smart card with status indicator lightson the smart card and light pipes in a receptacle of the power sourcethat direct light from the indicator lights to display windows on thepower source receptacle adjacent finger guide channels on the powersource receptacle.

FIGS. 72A-C show a power source and smart card with status indicatorlights on the smart card and photo detectors in a receptacle of thepower source that are connected to indicator lights on the power sourcereceptacle adjacent finger guide channels on the power sourcereceptacle.

FIG. 73 illustrates a two finger enrollment process according to someembodiments.

FIG. 74 is a table showing a list of indications according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure may beembodied in a variety of forms, the following description andaccompanying drawings are merely intended to disclose some of theseforms as specific examples of the subject matter. Accordingly, thesubject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to theforms or embodiments so described and illustrated.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and othertechnical terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as iscommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applicationsand other publications referred to herein are incorporated by referencein their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contraryto or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents,applications, published applications, and other publications that areherein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in thissection prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein byreference.

Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise, as usedherein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

This description may use relative spatial and/or orientation terms indescribing the position and/or orientation of a component, apparatus,location, feature, or a portion thereof. Unless specifically stated, orotherwise dictated by the context of the description, such terms,including, without limitation, top, bottom, above, below, under, on topof, upper, lower, left of, right of, in front of, behind, next to,adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal,transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience in referringto such component, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof inthe drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions mentionedin this description are merely representative of an exemplaryimplementation of a device embodying aspects of the disclosure and arenot intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the term “adjacent” refers to being near or adjoining.Adjacent objects can be spaced apart from one another or can be inactual or direct contact with one another. In some instances, adjacentobjects can be coupled to one another or can be formed integrally withone another.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to aconsiderable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, forexample, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the termscan refer to instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic,or property occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event,circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs to a closeapproximation, such as accounting for typical tolerance levels orvariability of the embodiments described herein.

As used herein, the terms “optional” and “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described, component, structure, element, event,circumstance, characteristic, property, etc. may or may not be includedor occur and that the description includes instances where thecomponent, structure, element, event, circumstance, characteristic,property, etc. is included or occurs and instances in which it is not ordoes not.

It is now common to see fingerprint sensors installed on devices such assmartphones. A fingerprint sensor installed on a smart phone can be usedto verify the identity of the user. The fingerprint sensor can also beused as a data entry or a control mechanism for the smart phone. Forexample, the fingerprint sensor can detect a position of the finger onits surface and translate the position of the finger as an instructionto select a function of the smart phone or to navigate within menusbeing displayed by the smart phone.

As fingerprint sensors are gaining in recognition and user acceptance,fingerprint sensors are now finding use in numerous other devices suchas, for example, smart cards, fitness monitors or trackers, wearabledevices, domestic and industrial appliances, automotive components, andinternet of things (IOT) devices. Some devices, such as smart cards andIOT devices, have limited to no user interfaces or status indicatorssuch as screens, speakers, LEDs, and audio signals with which the devicemay impart information to the user. Such devices may also have limitedto no user input mechanisms for receiving user input due to lack of akeyboard, switches, buttons, and levers.

Such devices, as well as computers, smart phones and the like, in whichuser-authenticating biometric sensors, such as a fingerprint sensors,are incorporated are at times generally referred to in this disclosureas “host devices,”

Accordingly, there is a need for a fingerprint sensor installed on adevice with limited ability to provide feedback to or obtaininstructions from a user (hereinafter referred to as “limited device”)wherein the fingerprint sensor provides a data entry or a controlmechanism for the device. The fingerprint sensor may have a primepurpose of verifying the user's identity, but can also function asconvenient way to control or enter data into the limited device.

In order for a biometric sensor, such as, for example, a fingerprintsensor, to operate properly, it is essential that a sufficientlydetailed template (or multiple templates) of a user's biometric data(e.g., fingerprint) is detected and stored during an enrollment process.The stored template (i.e., a verification template of biometric (e.g.,fingerprint) data) is used to compare with biometric image datagenerated by the biometric sensor (e.g., an image of a finger sensed bythe fingerprint sensor) when the device is in general use. In anembodiment employing a fingerprint sensor as the biometric sensor, auser is permitted to access a device if the sensed image of the fingermatches the stored fingerprint template. Accordingly, it is important toacquire and store a fingerprint template of sufficient quality. If thestored fingerprint template is not of sufficient quality, the user mayexperience false acceptance and rejection at a high rate.

While concepts described herein are applicable to various biometricsensors and associated biometric data and verification templates ofbiometric data, for purposes of illustration, and not for limitation,examples are frequently described herein in the context of fingerprintsensors and fingerprint data (i.e., images).

For an enrollment process using a fingerprint sensor with a sensing areasmaller than the surface of an average finger, a template is built upfrom multiple images of a finger. Specifically, the user is directed torepeatedly present his or her finger on the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor until multiple images of sufficient quality aregathered to form the template. However a fingerprint sensor installed onthe limited device poses difficulties throughout the enrollment process.For example, the limited feedback/input capabilities make it difficultto notify the user: (i) to begin the enrollment process, (ii) torepeatedly present his or her finger during the enrollment process,(iii) that a sufficient number of images have been gathered, and (iv)that the enrollment process is complete.

Furthermore, existing solutions for enrolling a fingerprint on thelimited device require the user to visit a secure location at which theuser will perform the enrollment procedure. For example, enrolling afingerprint on a smart card requires the user to visit a secure location(e.g., a bank), create a template of the user's fingerprint on aseparate device with the help of a trained agent, and upload theresulting template onto the smart card. This conventional method ofenrolling a fingerprint on the limited device is inconvenient for theuser due to the required physical visit to a secured location.Additionally, this conventional method has come under much scrutinybecause it creates a security risk due to the fact that the user cannotbe sure that the user's fingerprint has not been misplaced or copiedduring the process of enrollment at the secured location or that thefingerprint recorded by the separate device is fully erased afterenrollment is completed. Furthermore, verification accuracy may becompromised if the sensor used for enrollment of the user, i.e., thesensor of a separate device, is different from the sensor later used forverification of the user, i.e., the sensor of the limited device.

An object of embodiments described herein is to obviate at least some ofthe aforementioned problems with conventional methods of enrolling afingerprint on a limited device. Systems, devices, and methods describedherein provide a cost-effective and efficient process of enrolling auser's finger onto a limited device through a fingerprint sensorinstalled on the device—without the need for a separate device toreceive fingerprint images—which enhances the security and improves theaccuracy of fingerprint matching for the limited device.

In the context of the present disclosure, a “sensor element” comprisesan arrangement of one or more components configured to produce a signalbased on a measurable parameter (e.g., capacitance, light/optics,heat/thermal, pressure, etc.), characteristics of which will vary basedon the presence or absence of an object that is in local proximity tothe sensor element. A fingerprint sensor will comprise an array of suchsensor elements configured to produce a signal based on a portion of thesurface of a finger placed on or near the fingerprint sensor. Thesensitivity of each of the sensor elements of the fingerprint sensor issuch that characteristics of the signal produced at each sensor elementwill vary based on surface features of the portion of finger placed onor near the array, and the varying characteristics of signals producedat each sensor element may be combined or otherwise processed to form adata file with an actual or virtual “image” of the fingerprint of theportion of the finger surface placed on or near the array.

Specific examples of such sensor elements may include, but are notrestricted to, capacitive, optical, thermal, and pressure sensorelements. As an illustrative example, two types of capacitive sensorelements that may be employed in a fingerprint sensor are mutualcapacitance sensor elements and self-capacitance sensor elements. Anarray of mutual capacitance sensor elements comprises a plurality ofspaced apart drive lines and a plurality of spaced apart pickup linesarranged transversely to the drive lines and spaced from the drive linesby a dielectric material. Each intersection of the pickup lines and thedrive lines constitutes a mutual capacitance sensor element configuredto produce a signal indicative of a capacitance change due to thepresence or absence of a portion of an object that is in local proximityto the mutual capacitance sensor element. An array of self capacitancesensor elements comprises a first plurality of spaced apart conductivelines and a second plurality of spaced apart conductive lines arrangedtransversely to the first plurality of spaced apart conductive lines.Each conductive line of the first and second plurality of conductivelines is configured to transmit a signal to the finger surface placed indetectable proximity and receive a resultant signal. Accordingly, eachconductive line constitutes a self-capacitance sensor element configuredto produce a signal indicative of a capacitance change due to thepresence or absence of a portion of an object that is in local proximityto the self capacitance sensor element.

In addition, sensor elements contemplated herein include bothsilicon-based sensors in which sensor elements are formed directly on asilicon semiconductor substrate and may form a 2-dimensional array ofsensing pixels and off-silicon sensors in which sensor elements are notdisposed directly on a silicon semiconductor substrate (e.g., so-calledoff-chip sensors) but formed on a non-silicon substrate and areconductively connected to a remotely-located control element, which maybe a silicon-based semiconductor chip, such as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC).

While aspects of this disclosure are presented in the context ofspecific types of sensor elements and fingerprint sensor configurations,it should be appreciated that implementations of those aspects are notnecessarily limited to a specific type of sensor elements of fingerprintsensors described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a biometric sensor assembly or a biometric sensor,such as fingerprint sensor 102, installed on a smart card 104 accordingto some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thesmart card 104 is a limited device, as described above, and the smartcard 104 comprises the fingerprint sensor 102. In some embodiments, thesmart card 104 comprises the fingerprint, or other biometric, sensor102, processor or processing circuitry 110, memory 112, and contact pads108 providing contacts for an external power source. The processingcircuitry 110 may be a microprocessor, microcontroller,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gatearray (FPGA), or any combination of components configured to performand/or control the functions of the smart card 104. The memory 112 maybe a read-only memory (ROM) such as EPROM or EEPROM, flash, or any otherstorage component capable of storing executory programs and informationfor use by the processing circuitry 110. The fingerprint sensor 102 maycomprise sensor controlling circuitry and a sensor memory. The sensorcontrolling circuitry may be a microprocessor, microcontroller,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gatearray (FPGA), or any combination of components configured to performand/or control the functions of the fingerprint sensor 102. The sensormemory may be a read-only memory (ROM) such as EPROM or EEPROM, flash,or any other storage component capable of storing executory programs andinformation for use by the processing circuitry 110. The sensorcontrolling circuitry is configured to execute fingerprint sensorapplication programming (i.e., firmware) stored in the sensor memory.The memory 112 and the sensor memory may be the same component. Thesensor controlling circuitry is coupled to or may be part of theprocessing circuitry 110. The various components of the smart card 104are appropriately coupled and the components may be used separately orin combination to perform the embodiments disclosed herein.

The contact pads 108 comprise one or more power transmission contacts,which may connect electrical components of the smart card 104, such asan LED, the processing circuitry 110, memory 112, sensor elements (e.g.,the fingerprint sensor 102) etc., to an external power source. In someembodiments, the contact pads 108 further comprise one or more datatransmission contacts that are distinct from the power transmissioncontacts which connect the smart card 104 to an external deviceconfigured to receive data from and/or transmit data to the smart card104. In this context, the data transmission contacts of the smart card104 are the contacts that convey data transmitted to or transmitted fromthe smart card 104.

The processing circuitry 110 and the memory 112 may comprise a secureelement module. The contact pads 108 may be part of the secure elementmodule which includes the processor 110 and memory 112, both of whichare in electrical communication with the contact pads 108. In anexemplary embodiment, the secure element module may conform to theEMVCo® protocol commonly used on smart cards, and the contact pads 108provide electric contacts between the card 104 and an external cardreader to provide power to the processing circuitry 110 of the card andto read data from and/or write data to the memory 112. In FIG. 1,contact pads 108 embody an exemplary smart card contact arrangement,known as a pinout. Contact C1, VCC, connects to a power supply. ContactC2, RST, connects to a device to receive a reset signal, used to resetthe card's communications. Contact C3, CLK, connects to a device toreceive a clock signal, from which data communications timing isderived. Contact C5, GND, connects to a ground (reference voltage). Invarious embodiments, contact C6, VPP, may, according to ISO/IEC7816-3:1997, be designated as a programming voltage, such as an inputfor a higher voltage to program persistent memory (e.g., EEPROM). Inother embodiments, contact C6, VPP, may, according to ISO/IEC7816-3:2006, be designated as SPU, for either standard or proprietaryuse, as input and/or output. Contact C7, I/O, provides Serial input andoutput (half-duplex). Contacts C4 and C8, the two remaining contacts,are AUX1 and AUX2 respectively and used for USB interfaces and otheruses.

In embodiments described herein, the contact pads 108 are only used forproviding connection points via the one or more power transmissioncontacts, such as C1 VCC and C5 GND, to an external power source, and nodata is transmitted to or from the smart card 104 during an activationor enrollment process as described herein. The smart card 104 maycomprise one or more power transmission contacts for connecting thesmart card 104 to a power source, without any further data transmissioncapability as in a secure element module. In other embodiments, thelocation of the fingerprint sensor 102 may be embedded into any positionon the smart card 104 such that the position of the fingerprint sensor102 is substantially separated from the contact pads 108 and allows auser to place a finger on the fingerprint sensor 102.

A user can carry out various functions on the smart card 104 by placinga finger in various positions over a sensing area 106 of the fingerprintsensor 102. The sensing area 106 comprises a two dimensional array ofsensor elements. Each sensor element is a discrete sensing componentwhich may be enabled depending on the function of the fingerprint sensor102. Any combination of sensor elements in the two dimensional array maybe enabled depending on the function of the fingerprint sensor. Whilethe illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1 describes the fingerprintsensor 102 in relation to the smart card 104, this is not required andthe fingerprint sensor 102, or other biometric sensor, may beincorporated in a different limited device in other embodiments. Forexample, other limited devices in which aspects of the technologydescribe herein may be incorporated include fitness monitors, wearabledevices, domestic and industrial appliances, automotive components, and“internet of things” (TOT) devices.

In some embodiments, the sensing area 106 can have different shapesincluding, but not limited to, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, or alozenge.

The sensor 102 may comprise an array of sensor elements comprising aplurality of conductive drive lines and overlapped conductive pickuplines that are separated from the drive lines by a dielectric layer.Each drive line may thus be capacitively coupled to an overlappingpickup line through a dielectric layer. In such embodiments, the pickuplines can form one axis (e.g., X-axis) of the array, while the drivelines form another axis (e.g., Y-axis) of the array. Each location wherea drive line and a pickup line overlap may form an impedance-sensitiveelectrode pair whereby the overlapping portions of the drive and pickuplines form opposed plates of a capacitor separated by a dielectric layeror layers. This impedance-sensitive electrode pair may be treated as apixel (e.g., an X-Y coordinate) at which a surface feature of theproximally located object is detected. The array or grid forms aplurality of pixels that can collectively create a map of the surfacefeatures of the proximally located object. For instance, the sensorelements forming the pixels of the grid produce signals havingvariations corresponding to features of a fingerprint disposed over theparticular sensor element and thus the pixels along with circuitrycontrolling the sensor elements and processing signals produced by thesensor elements that includes a processor and signal conditioningelements (i.e., “sensor controlling circuitry”) that may be incorporatedinto an integrated circuit can map locations where there are ridge andvalley features of the finger surface touching the sensor array.

Additional details of a fingerprint sensor with overlapping drive linesand pickup lines as well as the drive, sense, and scanning electronics,are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,421,890, entitled “Electronic imagerusing an impedance sensor grid array and method of making,” U.S. Pat.No. 8,866,347, entitled “Biometric sensing”, and U.S. Pat. No.9,779,280, entitled “Fingerprint Sensor Employing an Integrated NoiseRejection Structure,” the respective disclosures of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety. Further improvements andenhancements to the devices, methods, and circuitry used to improve thesensitivity of the measurement principal employing a sensor gridcomprised of overlapping drive lines and pickup lines separated by adielectric including the drive, sense, scanning, and noise reductionelectronics, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,779,280.

An exemplary installation of a fingerprint sensor in a smart card isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,122,901, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

The sensing area 106 of the biometric sensor, (e.g., fingerprint sensor102) installed on the device 104 may be selectively configured tooperate in five modes: (1) enrollment mode; (2) verification mode; (3)data input mode; (4) control mode; and (5) unlock mode. The user mayselect the different modes by different interactions with the sensor,such as a double tap, hold, up/down drag, and left/right drag on thesensor area 106. In other embodiments, the sensor may be selectivelyconfigured in different modes by placing a data input device over thesensing area 106. Data input devices configured for different sensoroperation modes may include unique detectable features that, whendetected by the sensor, will configure the sensor in a modecorresponding to the data input device.

In the context of this disclosure, a “data input device” is any devicethat may be attached or otherwise coupled to a host device and isthereby coupled to a biometric sensor of the host device to enable auser to provide inputs to the host device through the biometric sensorvia features of the data input device that allow the user to interfacewith the biometric sensor to provide control inputs or inputs of data inaddition to the particular biometric data that the biometric sensor isconfigured to detect. For instance, in examples described herein, thedata input device includes keys or buttons that are each uniquelycoupled to a fingerprint sensor of the host device so that a usercontacting any such key or button generates a unique control input or aunique data input corresponding to that key or button. In addition, inother examples described herein, the attachment or coupling of the datainput device to the host device, or its removal, may itself provide datainput to the host device, for example, communicating that the data inputdevice has been attached or coupled to, or removed from, the hostdevice, that the data input device has or has not been properlypositioned with respect to the biometric sensor to enable proper controlor data input by the user, or, as described above, to place thebiometric sensor in one of a number of operating modes.

In some embodiments, when the fingerprint sensor 102 is in enrollmentmode, all of the sensor elements in the two dimensional array of thesensing area 106 are activated in a fingerprint sensing mode to producesignals—such as capacitance—having detectible variations correspondingto fingerprint features—grooves and ridges—in detective proximity to thesensor array (i.e., in physical contact with the sensor elements or insufficient proximity to the sensor elements to produce signalscorresponding to fingerprint features) which together form an “image” ofthe fingerprint, and the sensor controlling circuitry is configured sothat multiple images of a user's fingerprint may be gathered, and,possibly, manipulated, to acquire a sufficient fingerprint template thatmay be subsequently stored in memory. An exemplary enrollment process isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,813, entitled “System and Method ofBiometric Enrollment and Verification,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference. The stored fingerprint template may becontinuously updated based on the user's use of the fingerprint sensorover time.

In some embodiments, when the fingerprint sensor is in verification mode(also known as authentication mode), all of the sensor elements in thesensing area 106 are activated in fingerprint sensing mode and thesensor controlling circuitry is configured so that an image of theuser's fingerprint may be acquired and compared with the fingerprinttemplate stored in memory to verifying that whether the acquiredfingerprint image sufficiently matches the fingerprint template. Anexemplary verification process is also described in U.S. Pat. No.9,684,813. An exemplary verification process is also described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/356,989 (Publication No. U.S.2018-0144173) entitled “Combination of Fingerprint and DeviceOrientation to Enhance Security,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference. Ideally, in both the enrollment mode and theverification mode, a finger should be placed centrally on the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102 in order to obtain the best imageof the finger.

In some embodiments, when the fingerprint sensor is in control mode anddata input mode, the sensor elements in the sensing area 106 areactivated in contact sensing mode, data input keys are operativelycoupled to associated spatially distinct regions or control areas of thesensing area to enable direct or indirect contact by a user's fingerwith each associated spatially distinct area, and the sensor controllingcircuitry is configured so that the user may input data through thesensing area 106 by directly or indirectly placing a finger on selected,associated spatially distinct control areas within the sensing area 106of the fingerprint sensor 102. That is, as opposed to the enrollment andverification modes, in which the sensor elements and the processor ofthe sensor controlling circuitry are configured to detect and mapdifferent fingerprint features of the finger surface, in contact sensingmode for the control and data input modes, the sensor elements and thesensor controlling circuitry may be configured to merely detect whetheror not the sensor element is directly or indirectly contacted by afinger surface and to distinguish a spatially distinct region of thesensor array in which the contacted element(s) reside.

In both the control mode and the data input mode, the sensing area 106may be divided into spatially distinct control areas dedicated to aspecific command or data input. The number and location of the spatiallydistinct control areas within the sensing area 106 may be configureddepending on the desired use of the fingerprint sensor 106, the size ofthe sensing area 106, and the ability of the fingerprint sensor 102 toaccurately distinguish contact by the finger with the differentspatially distinct regions on the sensor. In unlock mode, the device 104may maintain the data input mode until the user inputs a correct unlockcode, wherein the input of the correct code unlocks the device 104.

In some embodiments described herein, when the fingerprint sensor is incontrol mode and data input mode, a first portion of the sensor elementsin the sensing area 106 are activated in contact sensing mode, datainput keys are operatively coupled to associated spatially distinctregions or control areas of the first portion of the sensing area toenable direct or indirect contact by a user's finger with eachassociated spatially distinct area, and the sensor controlling circuitryis configured so that the user may input data through the sensing area106 by directly or indirectly placing a finger on selected, associatedspatially distinct control areas within the first portion of the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102. In such embodiments, when thefingerprint sensor is in enrollment mode, only the sensor elementslocated within a second portion of the two-dimensional array of thesensing area 106 different from the first portion and accessible to auser's finger may be activated in the fingerprint sensing mode and thesensor controlling circuitry is configured so that multiple images of auser's fingerprint may be gathered to acquire a sufficient fingerprinttemplate that is stored in memory.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a sensing area 106 of a fingerprint sensor 102installed on a device with limited ability to provide feedback to orobtain instructions according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A,the sensing area 106 includes indicia formed on the different quadrants(spatially distinct regions) of the sensing area to facilitate datainput. In verification or enrollment mode, the user may place a fingeron the center of the sensing area 106 to produce a fingerprint image.When the fingerprint sensor 102 is used in data input mode, eachspatially distinct region can function as a data input “key”, and theuser can enter numbers (e.g., an activation code, such as a PIN code) bytapping his or her finger on the numbered regions or areas 202A-D of thesensing area 106. As shown in FIG. 2A, the sensing area 106 can bedivided into four separate spatially distinct control areas 202A-D. Inthe illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the user may place a fingeron the top left quadrant 202A, numbered 1, of the sensing area 106.Accordingly, the sensor elements located in the top left quadrant 202Aof the sensing area 106 may sense contact by the finger and thefingerprint sensor 102 may determine the location of the transmittingsensor elements and process the received signals to be an input by theuser representing the number “1.” In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A,the user may place a finger on different quadrants 202A-D to input thenumber 1, 2, 3, and 4 in any sequence. In another embodiment, thesensing area 106 may be divided into more or less spatially distinctcontrol areas. For example, there may be 6 spatially distinct controlareas representing numbers 1-6 or two control areas representing numbers1 and 2 (or letters A and B). Accordingly, the user is able to inputnumbers corresponding to the spatially distinct keys of the sensor arrayin any sequence through the sensing area. In another embodiment, all orpart of the sensing area 106 may be employed as a single spatiallydistinct control area dedicated to a Morse code-type input by the user(e.g., sequentially-repeated, separate contacts with the same spatiallydistinct control area, each contact of a different, specified duration).The one spatially distinct control area may be positioned in any portionof the sensing area 106 or comprise the entire sensing area 106. Inanother embodiment, any kind of alphabetical characters, symbols orinstructions (e.g., instructions for the device to attempt to connect toWiFi via WPS, disconnect/reconnect WIFI, change operating mode, pairwith Bluetooth, etc.), or combination of these could be entered in asimilar way depending on the desired operating function.

In some embodiments, the sensing area 106 may be large enough so thateach spatially distinct control area 202A-D can sense an entire finger.Accordingly, each spatially distinct control area 202A-D mayindependently verify a finger and be used to give authentication toaccess a device. For example, a key fob that can start 1 of 2 or moreautomobiles for a verified user may implement such spatially distinctcontrol areas on its sensing area. That is, a universal key fobconfigured to lock/unlock and start an automobile may include afingerprint sensor large enough to accommodate 2, 3, 4, or morespecifically distinct regions each large enough to image enough of afingerprint for verification. Each distinct region of the key fob can beconfigured so that activation of the region corresponds to a differentautomobile. Thus, the key fob can be configured to permit an authorizeduser to operate any of 2, 3, 4, or more automobiles by touching aspecific region of the sensor corresponding to a particular vehicle andproviding a verifying fingerprint.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor102 in control mode according to some embodiments. In verification orenrollment mode, the user may place a finger on the center of thesensing area 106 to produce a fingerprint image. In control mode, theuser may control a device by placing a finger on spatially distinctcontrol areas within the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102.In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the fingerprint sensor102 is installed on a wearable fitness monitor. In control mode, theuser may pause or start the monitoring by placing his or her finger onthe appropriate quadrant 202A-D of the sensing area 106 during normaloperation of the wearable fitness monitor. As shown in FIG. 2B, the topleft quadrant 202A of the sensing area 106 is marked with a “pause”symbol, and the bottom right quadrant 202D of the sensing area 106 ismarked with a “play” symbol. Accordingly, the user can pause themonitoring by placing a finger on the top left quadrant 202A andstart/resume the monitoring by placing a finger on the bottom rightquadrant 202D.

In some embodiments, regions 202B and 202D may be non-functional,reserved for other manufacturer-defined functions, or reserved forcertain user-defined functions.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the spatially distinct control areas may bevisible to the user. In some embodiments, the dividing lines 204A-B(“cross hairs”) may be indicated on the sensing area 106 and visible tothe user continually during operation of the fingerprint sensor 102. Inother embodiments, an elliptical shape 206 may be indicated on thesensing area 106. In such embodiments, the elliptical shape 206 iscentered in the sensing area 106 to encourage the user to place a fingercentrally on the sensing area 106 when using the fingerprint sensor 102in enrollment or verification mode. Different shapes may be used for theindication instead of the elliptical shape 206. The indication of thedividing lines 204A-B and the elliptical shape 206 may be implemented bythe use of distinguishing colors, lines, and textures achieved throughprinting and/or etching. A suitably chosen overlay which does notadversely impact the sensitivity of the sensing area 106 may be used toindicate the spatially distinct control areas.

In some embodiments, an OLED display may operate as the fingerprintsensor 102. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 102 may displaythe indication of the dividing lines 204A-B and the elliptical shape viathe OLED display. Exemplary embodiments of the OLED display configuredto operate as a fingerprint sensor are described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US 2017-0308228, entitled “Display withIntegrated Touch Screen and Fingerprint Sensor,” the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an application of a data input device in the formof an overlay 302 placed over the sensing area 106 of the fingerprintsensor 102 installed on a smart card 104 according to some embodiments.As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the overlay 302 may be placed over the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102 of the smart card shown in FIG.3A. A battery or external power source may be connected to one or moreof the contact pads 108 to provide power for the operation of thefingerprint sensor 102. The overlay 302 may comprise anadhesively-backed sticker or film temporarily and removably placed overa portion of the card 104 including the sensing area 106 of thefingerprint sensor 102, as shown in FIG. 3B. Repositionable adhesivesprovided by companies such as 3M, Krylon, Franklin Adhesives andPolymers, and Bostik may be applied to the overlay 302 to temporarilyplace over the portion of the card 104 including the sensing area 106.The overlay 302 may indicate the spatially distinct control areas of thesensing area 106 through pierced holes 304A-D defining four data inputkeys, each being associated with a spatially distinct control area ofthe sensing area 106. The pierced holes 304A-D may provide a zoningeffect without impacting the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 102.As shown in FIG. 3B, the four pierced holes 304A-D indicate thespatially distinct control areas on the sensing area 106 of thefingerprint sensor 102 corresponding to numbered “keys” 1, 2, 3, and 4.In other embodiments, there may be a larger number or smaller number ofpierced holes depending on the function of the fingerprint sensor. Theuser may input a numerical activation code (also referred to as anauthentication code) by placing a finger over the spatially distinctcontrol areas in a sequence according to the activation code, thusunlocking and putting the smart card 104 into the enrollment mode.Instructions may be provided on the overlay 302 to give guidance to theuser, and each spatially distinct control area may be labeled ornumbered. For example, the user may call a phone number listed on theoverlay 302, such as, a 1-800 phone number, to retrieve the numericalactivation code to be entered or the user may receive an SMS text ontheir personal cell phone from a secure financial institution. Once theuser retrieves the numerical activation code, the user may input thecode by connecting the card 104 to a power source and placing a fingerover the numbered spatially distinct control areas in a sequenceaccording to the code, thus unlocking the card. Accordingly, onlyauthorized end users may unlock a locked card 104 delivered through apublic mail system. A user may input a gesture over the sensing area106, such as swiping a pattern to join a plurality of spatially distinctcontrol areas in a predetermined sequence.

The overlay 302 may comprise a single pierced hole defining one datainput key, the one data input key being associated with a spatiallydistinct control area of the sensing area 106 configured to receive aMorse code-type data input by the user. In such embodiments, the usermay retrieve activation instruction and input the activation codeaccording to the retrieved instruction by making one or more separatesequential contacts of varying, specified durations with the input key.For example, the user may call a specified phone number to be instructedto use a finger to press down on the data input key when the user hearsa beep and to lift the finger when the beep ends. This process could berepeated for one or more additional beeps of varying durations. The usermay receive the Morse code activation instructions through an SMS textor a downloadable audio file.

In some embodiments, contact with the sensor may be determined by thefingerprint sensor 102 and sensor controlling circuitry by scanning theentire sensing area 106, cancelling any background noise, andcalculating an average measurement at each sensor element in order todetermine a signal exceeding a threshold indicating contact with thesensor element. If sensor elements registering a signal exceeding thethreshold are confined to one discrete spatially distinct region—meaningthe user has touched only one “key”—the contact is registered as a validinput—not necessarily the “correct” input, which is determined by thesequence provided by the code, but merely that a valid input wasreceived. If sensor elements registering a signal exceeding thethreshold are not confined to one discrete spatially distinctregion—meaning the user has simultaneously touched more than one key—thecontact is registered as an error. The system can be configured toregister multiple touches as a valid input to increase the number ofpossible inputs from which a unique activation code can be constructed.For example, while contact with the “1” key and the “2” key constitutetwo valid possible inputs, simultaneous contact with both the “1” keyand the “2” key may constitute a third valid possible input.

The fingerprint sensor 102 may detect an absence of a finger placed overthe sensing area 106—i.e., absence of a signal—to distinguish betweeneach data input by the user.

After the activation code has been successfully entered, the overlay 302may be peeled off and disposed of when no longer used. In someembodiments, a small tab 310 sticks out of one side or corner of theoverlay 302 so that the user may peel off the overlay 302 with ease.Care should be taken, however, to ensure that the card is notunintentionally removed from the power source in the process of peelingthe overlay 302 off the card 104. The small tab 310 may be located on anedge or corner of the overlay 302 which encourages the user to peel offthe overlay 302 in a direction moving towards the power source, ratherthan pulling away from the power source, to avoid dislodging the cardfrom the power source.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the card 104 may include an LED 308 or otherindicator element, and the overlay 302 may comprise a pierced hole 306positioned over the LED 308 allowing the user to see the LED when theoverlay 302 is temporarily placed over a portion of the card 104including the sensing area 106 and the LED 308. The LED 308 mayilluminate and flash to communicate various instructions andconfirmations to the user. For example, the LED may show: (1) a solidlight for 2-3 seconds which indicates that the fingerprint sensor 102 ispowering up when the card 104 is properly connected to a power source;(2) a single flash that indicates that a valid entry by the user hasbeen made; (3) short repeated flashes that indicate that an entry madeby the user has not been made (i.e., an invalid entry attempt); (4)solid light for a long period of time, e.g., 5 seconds, which indicatesthat a code or data entry made by the user is correct; (5) long repeatedfast flashes which indicates that a code or data entry made the user isincorrect; and (6) rapid repeated flashes when the user has exhausted amaximum number of input attempts without correctly entering theactivation code. In another embodiment, the LED 308 may be multicolor.Accordingly, the LED 308 may flash different colors in a variety ofcombinations to communicate the various instructions and confirmationsdescribed above.

In some embodiments, the card 104 may include more than one LED 308 orother indicator element. In such embodiments, more than one LED 308 mayflash different colors to communicate the various instructions andconfirmations described above. For example, when there is one red LEDand one green LED, the following states may be indicated: (1) both LEDSare off until power is applied to the card; (2) when power is applied,if a fingerprint template is already enrolled on the card, the green LEDis on solid; (3) if no fingerprint template is enrolled on the card, anenrollment sequence starts described by the following steps 4 to 10; (4)the green LED flashes until a finger is placed on the sensor, or until afinger that remains on the sensor since the previous image capture stepis taken off the sensor and then put back down again; (5) the green LEDgoes off when the finger is on the sensor and an image is captured; (6)if the detected sensor coverage by the finger is less than a thresholddenoting a poor image capture, the red LED goes on solid for 1 secondand the sequence returns to step (4); (7) if the detected sensorcoverage is more than or equal to a threshold denoting likelihood of agood image capture, both LEDs stay off while the captured image isassessed to determine if it should be enrolled; (8) if the image isenrolled, the green LED goes on solid for one second, otherwise if theimage has not been enrolled, the red LED goes on solid for one second;(9) repeat steps 4 to 8 until a sufficient fingerprint template iscreated; (10) the green LED goes on solid to indicate the process hascompleted successfully. The enrollment sequence (also referred to as theenrollment mode) may be terminated after the fingerprint template isstored. A flexible display such as an OLED may be embedded into the bodyof the card 104 to provide the user with detailed visual and textualfeedback.

The fingerprint sensor 102 may include a screen or a sound emittingunit, such as an audio speaker or a vibrator, to provide feedback to theuser such as a status indication. In such embodiments, the overlay 302may be shaped or contain a cutout so the user may observe the screen andreceive the status indication. In some embodiments, an OLED display mayoperate as the fingerprint sensor. In such embodiments, the fingerprintsensor 102 may provide feedback to the user such as a status indicationvia the OLED display.

FIGS. 4A-4C are top plan views of a data input device in the form of anoverlay 402 temporarily placed over the sensing area 106 with differentconfigurations of pierced holes 404A-D formed in the overlay 402according to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the piercedholes 404A-D are defined spaces, such as holes or windows, in theoverlay 402 surrounded by material. The surrounding material prevents afinger from making contact with the underlying sensing area 106 when afinger is placed on the overlay 402. The pierced holes 404A-D may be ina circle, oval, square or polygon shape. The pierced holes 404A-D maydefine data input keys associated with spatially distinct controlregions of the sensing area 106 used to input data or otherwise controla device in which the fingerprint sensor 102 is installed. In theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, only a portion of each piercedhole 404A-D overlies a portion of the sensing area 106, and thespatially distinct regions of the sensing area corresponding to thepierced holes 404A-D do not collectively constitute the entire sensingarea 106. Technically, a spatially distinct region may be defined by asingle sensor element (pixel) so long as the data input device (e.g.,overlay) is configured so that a user contact with a particular “key” ofthe data input device corresponding to the spatially distinct region isdetected at that single sensor element. This allows the fingerprintsensor area 106 and the overlay 402 to provide a larger effective touchentry area (as shown by the dotted lines 405 in FIG. 4A) for the userwhile maintaining accurate finger detection.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the pierced holes 404A-D in whichthe pierced holes 404A-D are shaped as circles and located at eachcorner of the sensing area 106. As shown in FIG. 4A, each of the piercedholes 404A-D defines a circle sector sensing area 406A-D for eachassociated spatially distinct control area. The circle sector sensingareas 406A-D are responsible for detecting a finger when placed over thecorresponding hole 404A-D. In some embodiments, the pierced holes 404A-Dare separated at an optimal distance so that the fingerprint sensor 102may distinguish which spatially distinct control area of the sensingarea 106 a user is touching while maintaining the largest area for eachcircle sector sensing area 406A-D. As described above, in an embodiment,the fingerprint sensor 102 may recognize and reject any data input whenthe user simultaneously places a finger over two or more spatiallydistinct control areas of the sensing area 106. In some embodiments, 8mm diameter circles may be used for the pierced holes 404A-D.

The fingerprint sensor 102 may not scan for every sensor element in thetwo dimensional array of sensor elements in the sensing area 106, whichmay improve sensor response time in data input mode. For example, thefingerprint sensor 102 may scan every sensor element in the sensing area106 not covered by the overlay 402. As shown in FIG. 4A, the fingerprintsensor 102 may recognize the exposed sensing areas defined by the circlesector sensing areas 406A-D. Accordingly, the fingerprint sensor 102 mayscan the sensor elements located within the circle sector sensing areas406A-D.

In some embodiments, since the sensor 102 does not require the sameresolution in a data input mode as is required in a fingerprint sensingmode, the fingerprint sensor 102 may scan for every other, or everythird (or more) sensor element in a row or a column of the twodimensional array of sensor elements in the sensing area 106 (or in thesensing areas 406A-D), which may improve sensor response time in datainput mode.

In some embodiments, each pierced hole 404A-D may be placed at the edgeof each corner of the sensing area 106 so that each circle sectorsensing area 406A-D is reduced to one sensor element, which may improvethe distinction between each spatially distinct control area of thesensing area 106. In such embodiments, each spatially distinct controlarea of the sensing area 106 comprises one sensor element responsiblefor detecting a finger when placed over the corresponding hole 404A-D.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of the pierced holes 404A-D. Asshown in FIG. 4B, the pierced holes 404A-D are shaped as squares withrounded corners and located at each corner of the sensing area 106.Accordingly, each of the pierced holes 404A-D forms a square sensingarea with a round corner 408A-D. The rounded square configuration of thepierced holes 404A-D allows for a larger portion of the sensing area 106to be dedicated to each associated spatially distinct control areacompared to the circle configuration. The rounded squares may eachcomprise a length and width of 8 mm, for example.

The fingerprint sensor 102 may scan only the sensor elements locatedwithin the sensing areas 408A-D and may scan for every other, or everythird (or more) sensor element in a row or a column of the twodimensional array of sensor elements in the sensing area 106 (or in thesensing areas 408A-D), which may improve sensor response time in datainput mode.

In some embodiments, each pierced hole 404A-D may be placed at the edgeof each corner of the sensing area 106 so that each square sensing areawith a round corner 408A-D is reduced to one sensor element, which mayimprove the distinction between each spatially distinct control area ofthe sensing area 106. In such embodiments, each spatially distinctcontrol area of the sensing area 106 comprises one sensor elementresponsible for detecting a finger when placed over the correspondinghole 404A-D.

FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of the pierced holes 404A-D. Asshown in FIG. 4C, the pierced holes 404A-D are shaped as circles andlocated at each side of the sensing area 106

-   -   as opposed to each corner. Accordingly, each of the pierced        holes 404A-D forms a circle segment sensing area 410A-D at each        side of the sensing area 106. The configuration of the pierced        holes 404A-D shown in FIG. 4C has the advantage of providing a        large sensing area for each spatially distinct control area,        while providing a minimal distance in between each of the        distinct control areas.

In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 102 scans only the sensorelements located within the sensing areas 410A-D and may scan for everyother, or every third (or more) sensor element in a row or a column ofthe two dimensional array of sensor elements in the sensing area 106 (orin the sensing areas 410A-D), which may improve sensor response time indata input mode.

In some embodiments, each pierced hole 404A-D may be placed at the edgeof each side of the sensing area 106 so that each circle segment sensingarea 410A-D is reduced to one sensor element, which may improve thedistinction between each spatially distinct control area of the sensingarea 106. In such embodiments, each spatially distinct control area ofthe sensing area 106 comprises one sensor element responsible fordetecting a finger when placed over the corresponding hole 404A-D.

FIGS. 5A-5B shows a data input device in the form of a frame 502 used inrelation with the sensing area 106 according to some embodiments. Asshown in FIGS. 5A-5B, a frame 502 with pierced holes 506A-B may bealigned with the fingerprint sensor 102. The number, shape, and size ofthe pierced holes 506A-B may differ as described above in relation toFIGS. 4A-4C. As shown in FIG. 5A, the frame 502 may be positioned on thefingerprint sensor 102 with a hinge allowing the frame 502 to flip openand reveal the entire sensing area 106 for fingerprint sensing. As shownin FIG. 5B, the frame 502 may be flipped down to indicate the spatiallydistinct control areas 504A-B wherein the spatially distinct controlareas 504A-B depend on the sensing area 106 revealed through the piercedholes 506A-B in the frame 502. The frame 502 may be positioned on thedevice that contains the fingerprint sensor 102. In such embodiments,the frame 502 is appropriately positioned on the device such that theframe 502 covers the sensing area 106 when flipped down and indicatesthe spatially distinct control areas as shown in FIG. 5B. The frame 502may enable a user to control the device that contains the fingerprintsensor 102 by placing a finger on the spatially distinct control areas504A-B. For example, the user may place a finger on a wireless protectedsetup (WPS) key 504A to connect the device to WiFi or place a finger ona reset key 504B to reset the device. In other embodiments, frame 502may be positioned on the fingerprint sensor or the device that containsthe fingerprint sensor with a slider such that the frame 502 may slideback and forth in direction “A” to conceal or reveal the sensing area106.

In some embodiments, a detectable feature of the frame 502 can be sensedby one or more sensor elements of the sensing area 106 to determine thatthe frame 502 is flipped down and to put the sensor area 106 in datainput mode to detect contact with one of the spatially distinct keys504A or 504B. The detectable feature may be a metal, metalized paint orconductive ink, conductive polymer or any conductive coating added tothe side (bottom) of the frame 502 that comes in contact with thesensing area 106 when the frame 502 is flipped shut. In suchembodiments, the metal, metalized paint, conductive ink, conductivepolymer, or any conductive coating allows the fingerprint sensor 102 todetect whether the frame 502 is open or closed. The fingerprint sensor102 may switch modes depending on whether the frame 502 is open orclosed. For example, when the frame 502 is open and the entire sensingarea 106 is revealed, the fingerprint sensor 102 no longer detects themetal, metalized paint or conductive ink and enters a fingerprintsensing mode, such as, for example, the verification mode or theenrollment mode. As another example, when the frame 502 is closed, thefingerprint sensor 102 detects the metal, metalized paint or conductiveink and enters a mode depending on the configuration of the metal,metalized paint or conductive ink. In some embodiments, conductive inkmay be added to the bottom of the frame 502 according to a predeterminedpattern such that the fingerprint sensor 102 may detect and recognizethe pattern and enter a particular mode based on the pattern. The frame502 may comprise one or more metalized dome switches which providetactile feedback to the user. In such embodiments, an input by the useris detected by the sensing area 106 when finger pressure is applied to asurface of the dome switches. For example, the one or more metalizeddome switches may look like the typical keypad on a microwave oven.

A frame may include more than one flipable data input device, eachproviding a distinct functionality. Each data input device may beprovided with a different detectable feature—e.g., a conductive inkapplied in a unique pattern—to be detected by the sensor and toconfigure the sensor in a different data input mode corresponding to thespecific data input device.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the use of a data input device in the form of adouble layered overlay 602 which may be temporarily placed over thesensing area 106 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C,the double layered overlay 602 comprises an upper layer 604 and a lowerlayer 606, wherein the bottom of the lower layer 606 contacts thesurface of the sensing area 106 when the double layered overlay 602 isplaced over the sensing area 106. As shown in FIG. 6B, the upper layer604 comprises one or more pierced holes 608A-D. The surface of the edgesurrounding each pierced hole 608A-D may be slightly raised such that auser may feel the circumference of the hole when placing a finger overit. As shown in FIG. 6C, the lower layer 606 is not pierced and is madeof a thin continuous sheet of material according to some embodiments.The surface of the lower layer 606 may be colored or include printedindicia, a textured pattern, or a design aligned with the pierced holes608A-D to indicate the spatially distinct control areas to the user. Thematerial of the lower layer 606 may be a thin polymer, typically no morethan 50-100 microns in thickness. The material and thickness of thelower layer 606 should be such as to not negatively impact the detectionof contact with the sensing area through the pierced holes 608A-D.

As shown in FIG. 6C, numbers or other indicia may be printed on thesurface of the lower layer 606. The position of the numbered portions610A-D on the surface of the lower layer 606 corresponds to the positionof the pierced holes 608A-D on the upper layer 604. Accordingly, whenthe upper layer 604 and the lower layer 606 are combined to form thedouble layered overlay 602, the numbered portions 610A-D indicate thelocation of the spatially distinct control areas through the piercedholes 608A-D of the upper layer 604. The indicia may be printed on theupper layer 604. In such embodiments, the indicia may be printedsubstantially close to the pierced holes 608A-D so that a user mayassociate a separate indication for each pierced hole 608A-D.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a data input device in the form ofan overlay 702 with complex piercing patterns used in relation with thesensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102. The overlay 702 withpiercing arranged in detectable patterns, i.e., piercing patterns 704,may be used to provide a further security mechanism for the fingerprintsensor 102. For example, the patterned overlay 702 may be issued to auser and temporarily placed over the sensing area 106 to be used like astencil for a “quick response” or QR® code (or other 2D detectablecode), wherein the complex piercing pattern may constitute a uniquepattern associated with the user or the device which contains thefingerprint sensor. The overlay 702 and the device on which thefingerprint sensor 102 is installed may be issued. When the user placesa finger 701 over the complex piercing patterned overlay 702, preferablycontacting all the piercings 704 simultaneously, the fingerprint sensor102 only detects contact with portions of the sensing area 106 exposedthrough the complex pattern of piercings 704. Accordingly, the complexpiercing patterned overlay 702 may function as an access code or “key”to access or otherwise utilize functions of the device on which thefingerprint sensor 102 is installed. For example, touching the sensingarea 106 through the complex piercing patterned overlay 702 could putthe device into a particular operating mode, or unlock specialfunctionalities such as putting the fingerprint sensor 102 into the“enroll” mode, or performing a factory reset of the device.

The complex piercing patterns 704 on the overlay 702 may be convertedinto a digital representation that is stored in the memory of thedevice. In such embodiments, the device may require the user to touchthe sensing area 106 through the complex piercing patterned overlay 702in order to initiate a fingerprint enrollment process. For example, whenthe user places a finger 701 over the complex piercing patterned overlay702, the fingerprint sensor 102 may detect the finger 701 through thecomplex piercing pattern 704 and compare the detected image with thestored digital representation of the complex piercing pattern 704. Insome embodiments, if the detected image does not match the storeddigital representation of the complex piercing pattern, the device couldshut off to prevent further access by the user or emit a warning.Depending on the level of security required, the degree of matching thatindicates “success” or “failure” could be made more or less strict.

Another application of the complex piercing patterned overlay 702 is todeter piracy or tampering of products. In some embodiments, devices maybe sold with the complex piercing patterned overlay 702 placed over thesensing area 106. In such embodiments, the devices may only be enabledfor the first time when a user places a finger over the sensing area 106through the complex piercing patterned overlay 702, thus assuring theuser that the product is genuine and/or has not been tampered with. Inthe embodiments disclosed in relation to FIG. 7A, the complex piercingpatterned overlay 702 is used in combination with the finger 701touching a fingerprint sensor 102. However, the concept of the complexpiercing pattern 704 may be applied generally to any biometric sensor,e.g., iris, retina, palm printing, or to any device with a touchscreenin alternative embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a data input device in the form of an overlay 706with printed patterns 708 used in relation with the sensing area 106 ofthe fingerprint sensor 102 according to some embodiments. In suchembodiments, the overlay 706 comprises a pattern 708 of conductivematerial printed on it. The pattern 708 may be arranged in detectablepatterns and may be used to provide a further security mechanism for thefingerprint sensor 102.

For example, the patterned overlay 706 may be issued to a user andtemporarily placed on top of the sensing area 106 to be used like a“quick response” or QR® code (or other 2D detectable code), wherein theprinted pattern 708 may constitute a unique pattern associated with theuser or the device which contains the fingerprint sensor. The overlayand the device on which the sensor is installed may be issuedseparately. When the patterned overlay 706 is placed on top of thesensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102 the printed pattern 708comes in contact with the surface of the sensing area 106, and sensorelements of the fingerprint sensor 102 spatially corresponding toelements of the pattern 708 detect contact with the printed pattern 708.Accordingly, the printed patterned overlay 706 may function as an accesscode or “key” to access or otherwise utilize functions of the device onwhich the fingerprint sensor 102 is installed. For example, putting thesensing area 106 in contact with the printed patterned overlay 708 mayput the device into a particular operating mode or unlock specialfunctionalities, such as putting the fingerprint sensor 102 into“enroll” mode, or performing a factory reset of the device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of calibration for the fingerprint sensor102 according to some embodiments. In some instances, a data inputdevice such as an overlay or frame, as described in FIGS. 3-7, may bemisaligned with the sensing area 106. In the illustrated embodimentshown in FIG. 8, an a data input device in the form of an overlay 802 istemporarily placed over the sensing area 106 wherein the overlay 802 ismisaligned with the sensing area 106. The overlay 802 may comprisedetectable features and the location of such features as detected by thesensor 102 may indicate the position of the overlay 802 with respect tothe sensing area 106. For example, a vertical conductive line 804A and ahorizontal conductive line 804B may be applied (e.g., with conductiveink) to the back surface of the overlay 802 to form “cross-hairs” at thecenter of the overlay 802. The fingerprint sensor 102 may be configuredto expect the conductive lines 804A-B to be placed over the sensing area106 at a predetermined position, in this instance a vertical andhorizontal line 806A-B across the center of the sensing area 106. Whenan overlay 802 is placed over the sensing area 106 and the conductivelines 804A-B on the overlap 802 are not placed over the expectedposition, as shown in FIG. 8, the fingerprint sensor 102 detects amisalignment. The fingerprint sensor 102 may detect a margin ofmisalignment based on a distance between the conductive ink 804A-B onthe overlay 802 and the expected placement 806A-B. In such embodiments,if the fingerprint sensor 102 detects a margin of misalignment thatexceeds a predetermined threshold, the user may be alerted to replacethe overlay 802 in a more accurate manner, for example with a flashingLED indicator. If the margin of misalignment does not exceed thepredetermined threshold, the fingerprint sensor 102 may factor themargin of misalignment into the processing of inputs received from afinger through the overlay 802. Specifically, the fingerprint sensor 102may adjust the expectation of the position of exposed touch areas basedon the detected margin of misalignment.

The cross hairs may be replaced by a single detectable dot or a smallcross at the centroid of the overlay. In some embodiments, uniquedetectable patterns may be formed on the overlay configured to impartinformation to the sensor. For example, the conductive lines 804A-Bforming the cross hairs may each be formed of a unique pattern of dots,dashes, and spaces. The unique pattern may be detected, similar to thepattern of a bar code, and correlated with a specific instruction orother information. For example, the pattern may authenticate the overlayto confirm that the correct overlay is placed on the device. In someembodiments, different overlays may be used for different data inputfunctions. In such embodiments, a unique detectable code may correspondto a particular functionality to thereby cause the fingerprint sensor tobe configured in the correct data input mode.

The conductive ink 804A-B on the overlay 802 may allow the fingerprintsensor 102 to detect whether the overlay 802 has been removed. In suchembodiments, the fingerprint sensor 102 may be configured not to enteran enrollment mode until the overlay 802 has been removed. In someembodiments, a variety of different overlays—each corresponding to adifferent data input functionality—may be temporarily placed over thesensing area 106 to operate the fingerprint sensor 102. Each overlay mayhave a dedicated conductive ink pattern that the fingerprint sensor 102can recognize. In some embodiments, certain overlays are restricted fromuse in relation to the fingerprint sensor 102. For example, thefingerprint sensor 102 may recognize a restricted overlay based on thededicated conductive ink pattern and deny access for that particularoverlay.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an embodiment of a battery-powered power source902 in use with the fingerprint sensor 102 installed on the smart card104. In some embodiments, the power source 902 (also referred to as anon-data-transmitting power source) is powered by a suitable battery905, such as a small cell LR44. Alternatively, the power source 902 mayrely on any suitable power element, such as solar or harvested power.The power source 902 may comprise a socket, such as a USB socket, toallow connection of the power source 902 to a main power source. Asshown in FIG. 9A, the power source 902 may include a connector housing(or receptacle) 904 with a slot 908 configured to receive an end of thesmart card 104 and contacts 906 (or terminals or electrodes, e.g.,flexible conductive pins) within the housing that are connected to thepower element (e.g., battery 905) according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, the housing 904 is made of injection molded plastic andcomprises a minimal number of parts. The housing 904 may be made of atransparent material such that the user may confirm that the powersource 902 is used solely for the purpose of providing power to thesmart card 104. The power source 902 is configured to be removablyattached to a smart card by inserting the card into the slot 908, andthe contacts 906 within the housing may contact the power transmissioncontacts of the contact pads 108 (e.g., typically contacts C1 VCC and C5GND of contact pads 108 of an EMVCo® compliant card of FIG. 1) tothereby electrically connect the smart card 104 to the power element andprovide power to the card 104 when inserted into the housing of thepower source 902. In an exemplary embodiment, eight contacts 906 areshown in FIGS. 9A-C corresponding to an exemplary pinout as shown incontact pads 108 of FIG. 1, but only two contacts 906 are needed toconnect to the card 104 to the power transmission contacts when the cardis inserted into the housing of the power source 902. The remainingcontacts may be omitted if no data is to be transmitted to or from thecard. Removing the card from the housing disconnects the card from thepower source. The card 104 may only receive power from the externalpower source 902 and does not require any additional external electricalconnections or wireless connections in order to operate.

FIGS. 9D and 9E show a perspective view and plan view, respectively, ofan alternative card holder/power source 910 (also referred to as anon-data-transmitting power source) according to some embodiments. FIG.9E illustrates exemplary, non-limiting dimensions of the holder 910 inmillimeters. The holder 910 comprises a slotted housing 912 (alsoreferred to as a receptacle) configured to receive one end of the card104 (the outline of which is shown in phantom in FIG. 9D), a batteryholder 914 attached to the housing 912 and configured to hold a suitablebattery, connector pins 920 coupled to the battery held in the batteryholder 914 and connecting the battery held in the battery holder 914 tothe power transmission contacts of the card 104 held in the housing 912.A retainer arm 916 extends from the housing 912 and includes parallelarms with a lip 918 spanning the ends of the two arms at a distal andthereof for engaging an edge of the card 104, thereby holding the card104 in an inserted position with respect to the housing 912.

The power source may comprise one or more LEDs or other statusindicators (e.g., visual, audible, tactile indicators) used to indicatethe status to the user during enrollment in a situation where there areno status indicators on the smart card itself, where status indicatorson the smart card are not suitable, or to supplement status indicatorson the smart card. In such embodiments, a component on the smart card104, such as the fingerprint sensor, the secure element module, or otherprocessing circuitry, monitors the state of the enrollment process andmodulates a power line in the card 104 in a known manner, depending onthe state of the enrollment process. The power source may furthercomprise a detector circuit configured to detect the power linemodulation and activate the one or more LEDs accordingly to indicate thecorrect state of the enrollment process.

The power source designs illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E are ideal forproviding power to a smart card, however the same design principles maybe applied to create power sources for other devices with limitedfeedback that contain fingerprint sensors. For example, a power sourcefor a fitness monitor would provide power to the fingerprint sensor onthe fitness monitor but would need no data connection with the fitnessmonitor or the fingerprint sensor.

Of course, if the device on which the fingerprint sensor is installed isan electronic device having internal power, it may not be necessary toconnect the device to an external power source to operate thefingerprint sensor. For example, the device may comprise an internalpower source such as a solar cell panel or a battery.

There are multiple ways that enrollment mode could be triggered on thecard using the power supplied by a power source, such as power source902. For example, enrollment mode could be automatically triggered aftersensing power to the card for the first time. In some embodiments,enrollment mode could be triggered after an activation code has beensuccessfully entered using a data input device, such as the overlaysticker as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. In some embodiments, enrollment modecould be triggered by activating an input mechanism, such as a switch orarray of switches located on the power source. In any case, care must betaken to ensure the smartcard is not unintentionally removed from orotherwise disconnected from the external power source during enrollmentmode. Thus, for an adhesively held overlay sticker—such as shown in FIG.3B and a card inserted into the slot of a housing of the power source,the sticker must be carefully removed from the card in such a manner asto not remove the card from the housing. The following embodimentsencompass power source arrangements that are intended to reduce thelikelihood that the card will be disconnected from the power source whenthe data input device overlay is removed from the fingerprint sensor.

FIGS. 9F-9H illustrate an alternative card holder/power source 920according to some embodiments. FIG. 9F is a plan view with no cardinserted in the card holder/power source (also referred to as anon-data-transmitting power source) 920, and FIG. 9G is across-sectional view but showing a card inserted in the cardholder/power source. In some embodiments, the holder 920 comprises asubstrate 922, for example a single sided PCB, a film, plastic, orcardboard. Card guide rails 924 may be mounted on the substrate 922 andconfigured to receive one end of the card 104. A battery holder 926 maybe attached to the substrate 922 and configured to hold a suitablebattery 928. Connector pins 930 attached to the substrate between thecard guide rails 924 are conductively coupled to the battery 928 viaconductive traces on or within the substrate and connect the battery topower transmission contacts 923 of the card 104 held in the card guiderails 924. The card guide rails 924 may slot around one or more edges ofthe card 104 to hold it in position. The card guide rails 924 may beadhered directly to the substrate, or held in place with mounting pins932 which fit into corresponding holes in the substrate. In someembodiments, status indicators 921, such as LEDs, may be added to thesubstrate 922. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in cross-sectionin FIG. 9H, the card guide rails 924 may be replaced with a housing 934configured to receive one end of the card 104 and hold it in position.The housing 934 may be adhered directly to the substrate, or held inplace with mounting pins 932 which fit into corresponding holes in thesubstrate 922.

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate an alternative power source with a connector1002 in use with the fingerprint sensor 102 installed on the smart card104 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 10A, the powersource (also referred to as a non-data-transmitting power source) 1002comprises a top cover 1004, a bottom cover 1006, and a flap 1010connected to the bottom cover 1006 with a hinge or foldable connection1008. The top cover 1004 is combined with the bottom cover 1006 to forma pocket in which the smart card 104 can be removably received. Thebottom cover 1006 is longer than the top cover 1004 by about the widthof the flap 1010. This allows the flap 1010 to flip shut over the bottomcover 1006 to form an extended top cover over the entire area of thebottom cover 1006. The flap 1010 comprises pierced holes 1014A-Epositioned on a top corner adjacent to the hinge 1008. The function ofthe pierced holes 1014A-E will be described in more detail in FIG. 10D.The top and bottom covers 1004, 1006 form a housing that receives thecard. The power source may include a portable power element (e.g., abattery or solar element, not shown), and contact elements (not shown)internal to the housing provide electrical contact to power transmissioncontacts of the card when the card is inserted into the housing.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the smart card 104 comprises an LED 1012, contactpads 108 which may be part of a secure element module conforming to theEMVCo® protocol, and a fingerprint sensor 102 comprising a sensing area106. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 102 is positioned onone of the uppermost corners of the smart card 104.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the flap 1010 of the power source (also referredto as a non-data-transmitting power source) 1002 is open and the smartcard 104 is positioned so that the smart card 104 may be inserted intothe power source 1002 in direction “B.” As shown in FIG. 10B, the smartcard 104 is inserted into the pocket formed by the top and bottom covers1004, 1006 of the power source 1002. Accordingly, the power source 1002is removably connected to a power input, such as power transmissioncontacts of the contact pads 108, on the smart card 104 and providespower to operate the fingerprint sensor 102.

As shown in FIG. 10C, once the smart card 104 is fully inserted, the topcover 1004 of the power source 1002 partially covers the surface of thesmart card 104, leaving the fingerprint sensor 102 uncovered. The flap1010 is then flipped over to close over the uncovered portion of thesmart card 104. In some embodiments, the pierced holes 1014A-E arelocated on the flap 1010 such that when the flap 1010 is closed, thepierced holes 1010A-E expose portions of the sensing area 106 and theLED 1012 to provide a data input device to enable a user to enter a codevia the sensor 102. In some embodiment, the number, size, and positionof the pierced holes 1010A-D may be configured as described in FIGS.4-6.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the pierced holes 1014A-D are numbered andindicate spatially distinct control areas of the sensing area 106. Theuser may enter data, such as a numerical activation code by placing afinger 1015 over the numbered pierced holes 1014A-D in a specificsequence. The pierced hole 1014E over the LED 1012 allows the user toreceive status indications while entering the data.

In other embodiments, the flap 1010 may comprise embedded mechanicalbuttons instead of the pierced holes 1014A-D. In such embodiments, whenthe flap 1010 is closed, the embedded mechanical buttons make contactwith the sensing area 106 when pressed by a user. In some embodiments,pads on the embedded mechanical buttons are conductive so that contactwith the sensing area 106 may be detected by the sensor. The embeddedmechanical buttons may be a dome, plunger, and blister buttons toprovide a tactile aspect of the data entry “keys”.

As shown in FIG. 10E, once the user completes data entry (e.g., enters acorrect code), the flap 1010 may be opened and the smart card 104 may beremoved. The fingerprint sensor may begin a fingerprint enrollmentprocess once the user makes a correct code or data entry. In someembodiments, the flap 1010 is opened and the entire sensing area 106 isrevealed in order to proceed with the fingerprint enrollment process. Adetectable feature—such a conductive ink mark or pattern—may be providedon the back side of the flap 1010 to allow the sensor 102 to detectwhether the flap 1010 is open or closed and/or allow the sensor tocalibrate for the exact position of the holes as described above inrelation to FIG. 8. The smart card 104 may be removed from the powersource 1002 in direction “C” after a sufficient fingerprint template ofthe user's fingerprint is acquired and stored.

The power source 1002 may be used for purposes other than enrollment asdescribed in FIGS. 10A-10E. For example, the power source 1002 may beused to lock, or temporarily disable, the smart card 104. In order tolock the smart card 104, the smart card 104 may be inserted into thepower source 1002 as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B. Once the smart card104 receives power from the power source 1002, the user may place afinger on the sensing area 106 for verified use of the smart card 104.Subsequently, the user may flip the flap 1010 over the uncovered portionof the smart card 104 such that the pierced holes 1010A-E exposeportions of the sensing area 106 and the LED 1012 to provide a datainput device to enable the user to enter a code via the sensor 102, asdescribed in FIGS. 10C-10D. In such embodiments, the user may retrieve anumerical locking code for the smart card 104. For example, the user mayretrieve the numerical locking code through a phone call, an SMS, or anonline banking application. Once the user retrieves the numericallocking code, the user may input the locking code by placing a fingerover the numbered pierced holes 1014A-D in a sequence according to thecode. As a result of a valid entry of the locking code, the smart cardmay be locked or temporarily disabled from use. The smart card 104 maybe removed from the power source 1002 after the locking process isconcluded. The process described above for locking the smart card 104may be used to unlock the smart card 104. In another embodiment, thesmart card 104 may be unlocked by placing a finger on the sensing area106 for verification.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another embodiment of a power source (alsoreferred to as a non-data-transmitting power source) 1102 in use withthe fingerprint sensor 102 installed on the smart card 104. As shown inFIG. 11A, the smart card 104 may be already removably received in thepower source 1102, which may comprise an envelope-like housingconfigured to receive an end of the card and provide electrical contactbetween a power element (e.g., a battery or solar element) and the card.The power source 1102 only partially covers the smart card 104 so thatthe portion containing the fingerprint sensor 102 is exposed. Acontinuous sleeve 1104 wraps around a bottom end of combined powersource 1102 and around the left, right, and bottom ends of smart card104 to keep the smart card 104 in place within the power source 1102housing. A data input device in the form of a sleeve 1106 may be used tocover the portion of the smart card 104 containing the fingerprintsensor 102. In some embodiments, the sleeve 1106 overlaps one end of thecontinuous sleeve 1104. Pierced holes 1108A-E located on the sleeve 1106expose portions of the sensing area 106 and an LED 1110 on thefingerprint sensor 102. In an embodiment, a battery connection tab 1112may be provided between the power source 1102 and the smart card 104 tokeep a power connection disconnected until ready for use. The user maypull out the battery connection tab 1112 in direction “D,” as shown inFIG. 11A, to connect the power source 1102 to the smart card 104 inorder to operate the fingerprint sensor 102.

The pierced holes 1108A-D may be numbered and indicate spatiallydistinct control areas on the fingerprint sensor 102 as shown in FIG.11A. Accordingly, once the user connects the smart card 104 to the powersource 1102, the user may enter data, such as a numerical activationcode by placing a finger over the pierced holes 1108A-D in a specificsequence. The pierced hole 1108E over the LED 1110 allows the user toreceive status indications while entering the data. Once the user hascorrectly input the data and the fingerprint sensor is ready to initiateenrollment mode, the sleeve 1106 may be slid off the smart card 104 indirection “E,” as shown in FIG. 11A, while the continuous sleeve 1104remains intact to keep the card 104 inserted in the power source 1102.

As shown in FIG. 11B, sliding off the sleeve 1106 reveals a corner ofthe smart card 104 containing the fingerprint sensor 102. A detectablefeature—such as a conductive ink mark or pattern—may be provided on aninner surface of the sleeve 1106 to allow the sensor 102 to detect ifthe sleeve 1106 is in place. Upon initiation of the enrollment mode, theuser may place a finger on the sensing area 106. After a sufficientfingerprint template of the user's fingerprint is acquired and stored bythe fingerprint sensor 102, the continuous sleeve 1104 may be slid offin direction “F,” as shown in FIG. 11B. After the continuous sleeve 1104is slid off, the smart card 104 may be removed from the power source1002 in direction “E”, as shown in FIG. 11C.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate another embodiment of a power source (alsoreferred to as a non-data-transmitting power source) 1202 in use withthe fingerprint sensor 102 installed on the smart card 104. As shown inFIG. 12A, the smart card 104 may be already removably received in thepower source 1202, which may comprise an envelope-like housingconfigured to receive an end of the card and provide electrical contactbetween a power element (e.g., a battery or solar element) and the card.The power source 1202 only partially covers the smart card 104 such thatthe portion containing the fingerprint sensor 102 is exposed. A datainput device in the form of a sleeve 1204 is used to cover the portionof the smart card 104 containing the fingerprint sensor 102. One side ofthe sleeve 1204 comprises pierced holes 1206A-E which expose portions ofthe sensing area 106 and an LED 1208 on the fingerprint sensor 102. Adetectable feature—such as a conductive ink mark or pattern—may beprovided on an inner surface of the sleeve 1204 to allow the sensor 102to detect whether the sleeve 1204 is in place. In some embodiments, abattery connection tab 1210 is inserted between the power source 1202and the smart card 104 to keep a power connection disconnected. The usermay pull out the battery connection tab 1210 in direction “D,” as shownin FIG. 12A, to connect the power source 1102 to the smart card 104 inorder to operate the fingerprint sensor 102.

The pierced holes 1206A-D may be numbered and indicate spatiallydistinct control areas on the fingerprint sensor 102 as shown in FIG.12A. In such embodiments, once the user connects the smart card 104 tothe power source 1202 by inserting the card into the power sourceenvelope 1202 or by removing the tab 1210 from the power source 1202 inwhich the card is already inserted, the user may enter data, such as anumerical activation code by placing a finger over the pierced holes1206A-D in a specific sequence. The pierced hole 1206E over the LED 1110allows the user to receive status indications while entering the data.Once the user has correctly input the data, the sleeve 1204 may be slidoff of the smart card 104 in direction “E,” as shown in FIG. 12A.

In some embodiments, once the sleeve 1204 has been slid off, a user canflip the sleeve 1204 over to reveal the finger guide 1212 and slide thesleeve 1204 back over the smart card 104 in direction “B,” as shown inFIG. 12B. The finger guide 1212 may be a cutout window that indicates tothe user where to place a finger on the sensor during the enrollmentmode. The sleeve 1204 may then be removed from the smart card 104 aftera sufficient fingerprint template of the user's fingerprint is acquiredand stored by the fingerprint sensor, and the smart card 104 is thenremoved from the power source 1202 in direction “E,” as shown in FIG.12C.

FIG. 13 illustrates an application of another embodiment of a data inputdevice in the form of an overlay 1302 placed over the sensing area 106of the fingerprint sensor installed on the smart card 104. In theillustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a smart card is the devicecontaining the fingerprint sensor, but the application of the data inputdevice is not restricted to a smart card and can be used for any devicethat contains a fingerprint sensor in alternative embodiments. As shownin FIG. 13, the overlay 1302 is removably placed over a portion of thecard 104 including the sensing area 106 (as shown by the dotted lines inFIG. 13). The overlay 1302 may comprise data input keys 1304A-Dassociated with (e.g., coupled to) spatially distinct sensing areas onthe sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor. The data input keys1304A-D are remotely located from the sensing area 106. In someembodiments, the overlay 1302 may comprise one or more additionalpierced holes to indicate spatially distinct control areas of thesensing area 106, as shown in FIG. 13, in addition to data input keys1304A-D remotely located from the sensing area 106. As shown in FIG. 13,portions of the sensing area associated with the data input keys 1304A-Ddo not overlap with the spatially distinct control areas of the sensingarea indicated by the one or more additional pierced holes. In someembodiments, the overlay 1302 may comprise a pierced hole 1306 over theLED 308 or other indicator element on the card 104 when the overlay 1302is temporarily placed over a portion of the card 104 including thesensing area 106 and the LED 308. In some embodiments, an OLED displaymay operate as the fingerprint sensor. In such embodiments, a portion ofthe OLED display may be configured to be used as the indicator element.Accordingly, the pierced hole 1306 may be positioned over the portion ofthe OLED display configured to be used as the indicator element.

When the fingerprint sensor is used in data input mode, each data inputkey 1304A-D can function to enable the user to enter numbers (e.g., anactivation code, such as a PIN code) by tapping his or her finger on thespatially distinct control areas 1304A-D. Each data input key 1304A-D ofthe overlay 1302 is electrically coupled to an associated spatiallydistinct portion of the sensing area 106 so that contact with each keywill result in a detectable signal from the sensor element(s) of theassociated spatially distinct portion of the sensing area 106. Thecoupling between the keys 1304A-D and the sensing area 106 allows thekeys 1304A-D to be remotely located from the sensing area 106. Thisprovides the significant advantage of positioning keys 1304A-D inlocations not restricted by the boundaries of the sensing area 106. Forexample, extra space on the smart card 104 may be used to provideadditional keys (e.g., more than four keys) or the keys 1304A-D can bespaced further apart, which may improve access for the user. In someembodiments, the overlay 1302 may comprise one data input keyelectrically coupled to an associated spatially distinct portion of thesensing area 106 configured to receive a Morse code-type data input bythe user.

As shown in FIG. 13, the data input keys 1304A-D may be spaced out onthe overlay 1302 along a short edge of the smart card 104. The datainput keys 1304A-D may be spaced out on the overlay 1302 along a longedge of the smart card 104. In other embodiments, the data input keys1304A-D may be distributed on the overlay 1302 in the middle of thesmart card 104, rather than being restricted to the short or long edge.The data input keys 1304A-D may be arranged in various suitable formatsdepending on the application. For example, the data input keys 1304A-Dmay be arranged in a 2-D matrix format, a keyboard format, or acalculator pad format.

Power must be applied to the card 104 throughout a data input andenrollment process. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, abattery-powered power source, as shown in FIG. 9A, may be configured tobe removably attached via contact pads 108 to the externalbattery-powered power source. A small tab 1310 extending from one sideor corner of the overlay 1302 maybe provided to facilitate grasping theoverlay 1302 so that the user may peel off the overlay 1302 with ease.Care should be taken, however, to ensure that the card is notunintentionally disconnected from the power source in the process ofpeeling the overlay 1302 off the card 104. In some embodiments, thesmall tab 1310 is on an edge or corner of the overlay 1302 whichencourages the user to peel off the overlay 1302 in a direction movingtowards the power source, rather than pulling away from the powersource, to avoid dislodging the card from the power source.

The card 104 may include an LED 308 or other indicator element, and theoverlay 1302 may comprise a pierced hole 1306 positioned over the LED308 allowing the user to see the LED when the overlay 1302 istemporarily placed over a portion of the card 104 including the sensingarea 106 and the LED 308. In other embodiments, the card 104 may includemore than one LED 308 or other indicator element. The LED 308 mayilluminate and flash to communicate various instructions andconfirmations to the user.

In some embodiments, the overlay 1302 may be provided as a sleeveconfigured to be slid over the portion of the smart card 104 containingthe sensing area 106, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A. Data input keys maybe located anywhere on a surface of the sleeve. Each data input key maybe electrically coupled to an associated spatially distinct data inputportion of the sensing area 106 so that contact with each key willresult in a detectable signal from the sensor element(s) of theassociated spatially distinct data input portion of the sensing area106.

In some embodiments, the overlay 1302 may be provided as an alternativepower source (also referred to as a non-data-transmitting power source),as shown in FIG. 10A. In such embodiments, the data input keys may belocated on the flap of the power source. The flap may compriseconductive traces which electrically couple each data input key to anassociated spatially distinct input portion of the sensing area 106.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate an embodiment of a data input device in theform of an overlay 1402 including data input keys coupled to spatiallydistinct sensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor,wherein the data input keys are remotely located from the sensing area.As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, the overlay 1402 is a double layered overlaycomprising an upper layer 1404 and a lower layer 1406. The bottom of thelower layer 1406 contacts the surface of the sensing area 106 when theoverlay 1402 is placed over the sensing area 106. The upper layer 1404and the lower layer 1406 may be made of peel-able film.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the upper layer 1404 may comprise pierced holes1408A-D defining the data input keys, a pierced hole 1410 for an LED 308or other indicator element on the smart card 104, and a tab 1412 foreasy removal of the overlay 1402. The surface of the edge surroundingeach pierced hole 1408A-D defining the data input keys may be slightlyraised so that a user may feel the circumference of the holes whenplacing a finger over it.

As shown in FIG. 14C, the lower layer 1406 may comprise key traces1414A-D, connection traces 1416A-D, sensing area activation traces1418A-D, and a pierced hole 1410 for an LED 308 or other indicatorelement on the smart card 104. A conductive material, such as conductiveink, metallization, conductive polymer, or any conductive coating may beused to print or apply the key traces 1414A-D, the connection traces1416A-D, and the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D onto a surfaceof the lower layer 1406. The key traces 1414A-D may be located remotelyfrom the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D. The connection traces1416A-D may connect the key traces 1414A-D to each respective,associated sensing area activation trace 1418A-D. The sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D are located on the lower layer 1406 so thatthe sensing area activation traces 1418A-D align with the associatedspatially distinct data input regions of the sensing area 106 when theoverlay 1402 is temporarily placed over the smart card 104. In someembodiments, the material of the lower layer 1406 is a thin polymer,typically no more than 50-100 microns in thickness. The material andthickness of the lower layer 1406 should be such as to not negativelyimpact the electrical coupling of the sensing area activation traces1418A-D with the associated spatially distinct data input regions of thesensing area 106. In some embodiments, reference traces may be printedor otherwise applied or embedded between each sensing area activationtrace 1418A-D on the surface of the lower layer 1406 so that thereference traces align with associated spatially distinct referenceregions of the sensing area 106. The alignment of the sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D in relation to the sensing area 106 isdescribed in further detail in FIGS. 15A-15B and FIGS. 19A-19D.

FIG. 14A illustrates a surface of the double sided overlay 1402 when theupper layer 1404 is combined with the lower layer 1406 according to someembodiments. When combined, the data input keys are defined by the keytraces 1414A-D visible and accessible through the pierced holes 1408A-D.The connection traces 1416A-D and the sensing area activation traces1418A-D are covered by the upper layer 1404 and obscured from view. Inaddition, the upper layer 1404 may be formed from an electricallyinsulating material to isolate the connection traces 1416A-D and thesensing area activation traces 1418A-D.

FIG. 15A illustrates the data input device in the form of a doublelayered overlay 1402 (the upper layer 1404 is not shown) temporarilyplaced over the smart card 104 according to some embodiments. As shownin FIG. 15A, the double layered overlay 1402 covers a portion of thesmart card 104 containing the sensor area 106. The overlay 1402 isplaced on the smart card 104 so that the sensing area activation traces1418A-D on the lower layer 1406 are covering and aligned with thespatially discrete regions of the sensing area 106 (encompassing one ormore specified sensor elements) associated with each key 1414A-D.

The sensing area 106 may be a sensor grid comprising spatially separatedrows and columns of drive lines and pickup lines forming an array ofsensor elements at overlapping locations of drive lines and pickuplines. The fingerprint sensor may be pre-programmed with expectedpositions of the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D corresponding tospecific sensor elements on the sensing area 106. For example, thefingerprint sensor may be pre-programmed to expect the sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D to cover certain rows (or portions thereof)and columns (or portions thereof) of the sensing area 106 and theassociated sensor elements of the rows and columns. For example, when afinger contacts a key trace 1414A, labeled “1,” the respective sensingarea activation trace 1418A is connected to ground through connectiontrace 1416A, thereby changing the signal detected at the pickup lines(or portions thereof) (i.e., the sensor elements) covered by the sensingarea activation trace 1418A. Based on the location of the detectedportion of the sensing area 106, the fingerprint sensor is able todetermine which key trace 1414A-D has been contacted by the finger andconclude the associated data input, which is “1” in this scenario.

Each of the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D may be positioned tocover a portion of the sensing area 106. As shown in FIG. 15A, thesensing area 106 comprises a grid of overlapping drive lines and pickuplines as described above and each of the sensing area activation traces1418A-D may have an elongated configuration oriented in substantiallythe same direction as the pickup lines. Each of the sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D may overlap a substantial portion of at leastone pickup line. In some embodiments, each of the sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D may overlap all of the at least one pickupline. In some embodiments, each of the sensing area activation traces1418A-D may overlap a substantial portion of at least four or morepickup lines. In some embodiments, each of the sensing area activationtraces 1418A-D may overlap all of the at least four or more pickuplines. In some embodiments, the sensing area activation traces 1418A-Dare transverse with the pickup lines of the sensing area 106.

In some instances, the double layered overlay 1402 may be misalignedwith the sensing area 106. Accordingly, the sensing area activationtraces 1418A-D may be placed over the sensing area 106 misaligned withthe expected positions pre-programmed into the fingerprint sensor. Thedouble layered overlay 1402 may comprise detectable features and thelocation of such features as detected by the fingerprint sensor mayindicate the position of the overlay 1402 with respect to the sensingarea 106. A method of calibration for the fingerprint sensor based onthe detectable features provided on the double layered overlay 1402 isdescribed in more detail in FIG. 8. Accordingly, the fingerprint sensormay detect a margin of misalignment between the sensing area activationtraces 1418A-D and the expected positions on the sensing area, andfactor the margin of misalignment into the processing of inputs receivedthrough each sensing area activation trace 1418A-D.

The detectable features provided on the double layered overlay 1402 withrespect to the sensing area 106 may comprise conductive lines forming aunique pattern of dots, dashes, and spaces. The unique pattern may bedetected, similar to the pattern of a bar code, and correlated with aspecific instruction or other information. For example, the patterncould authenticate the overlay 1402 to confirm that the correct overlayis placed on the card. In a situation in which different overlays may beused for different data input functions, the unique detectable code cancorrespond to the particular functionality to thereby cause thefingerprint sensor to be configured in the correct data input mode.

In some embodiments, the detectable features provided on the doublelayered overlay 1402 with respect to the sensing area 106 allow thefingerprint sensor to detect whether the overlay 1402 has been removed.In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may be configured not toenter an enrollment mode until the overlay 1402 has been removed. Insome embodiments, a variety of different overlays—each corresponding toa different data input functionality—may be temporarily placed over thesensing area 106 to operate the fingerprint sensor. Each overlay mayhave a dedicated conductive ink pattern that the fingerprint sensor canrecognize. In some embodiments, certain overlays may be restricted fromuse in relation to the fingerprint sensor. In such embodiments, thefingerprint sensor may recognize a restricted overlay based on thededicated conductive ink pattern and deny access for that particularoverlay.

In some embodiments, the sensing area 106 comprises a linear array ofsensor elements, as shown in FIG. 15B. Exemplary embodiments of lineararrays of sensor elements are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,110,577,entitled “Method and Apparatus for Measuring Structures in aFingerprint” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,751,601, entitled “Fingerprint SensingAssemblies and Methods of Making,” the respective disclosures of whichare incorporated by reference in their entirety. As shown in FIG. 15B,the overlay 1402 is placed on the smart card 104 so that the sensingarea activation traces 1418A-D on the lower layer 1406 are coveringspatially discrete portions of the sensing area 106 (encompassing one ormore specified sensor elements of the linear array) associated with eachkey 1414A-D.

FIG. 15C illustrates a magnified view of the sensing area activationtraces 1418A-D placed over the sensing area 106 according to someembodiments. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15C, reference traces 1502A-C maybe printed or otherwise applied onto or embedded into a surface of thelower layer 1406 between each of the sensing area activation traces1418A-D such that the reference traces 1502A-C align with associatedspatially distinct reference regions of the sensing area 106. Thesensing area activation traces 1418A-D are connected through connectiontraces 1416A-D to the key traces 1414A-D. The reference traces 1502A-Care not connected to the key traces 1414A-D and may be utilized toemploy a differential signal detection structure for the fingerprintsensor 102. As shown in FIG. 15D, sensor elements covered by a sensingarea activation trace 1418A are connected to a positive input 1503A of adifferential amplifier 1504 located in the fingerprint sensor, andsensor elements covered by an adjacent reference trace 1502A areconnected to a negative input 1503B of the differential amplifier 1504according to some embodiments. The reference trace 1502A may be subjectto noise and unwanted signal inputs similar to that of the sensing areaactivation trace 1418A. In some embodiments, when a finger contacts akey trace 1414A, the contact by the finger completes the circuitconnecting key trace 1414A to ground 1506, thereby changing pickupsignals detected in the sensor elements covered by the activation trace1418A. In such embodiments, the differential amplifier 1504 may beconfigured to subtract the pickup signals of the sensor elements coveredby reference trace 1502A from the pickup signals of the sensor elementscovered by activation trace 1418A, thereby eliminating the noise andunwanted signal inputs affecting both pickup signals equally, andleaving substantially only the signal variation in the sensor elementscovered by the activation trace 1418A due to contact with the key trace1414A. Thus, the sensor eliminates noise by subtracting the pickupsignals of the sensor elements covered by a reference trace 1502A signalfrom the pickup signals of the sensor elements covered by an activationtrace 1418A-D at the differential amplifier 1504. The use of referencetraces 1502A-C to eliminate noise allows a better detection rate for thekeys. In some embodiments, one reference trace 1502A may be used toeliminate noise for all of the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D.

FIGS. 15E-15H illustrate embodiments of conductive material arrangementon the data input device in the form of an overlay when temporarilyplaced over the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG.15A, the conductive material comprises four sensing area activationtraces 1418A-D connected to four key traces 1414A-D (not shown in FIG.15E) via connection traces 1416A-D and three reference traces 1502A-C.In some embodiments, the four activation traces 1418A-D facilitate a 4key data input device. As shown in FIG. 15E, each reference trace1502A-C is positioned between a two sensing area activation trace1418A-D. The traces placed over the sensing area 106 are separated by apredetermined gap 1504. The width of the sensing area activation traces1418A-D, the reference traces 1502A-C, and the gap 1504 may bedetermined based on the choice of conductive material used to print orinsert the traces on the overlay and on the sensing area 106. Forexample, an achievable printer resolution may govern the minimum valueof the width of the traces and the gap 1504 if conductive ink is used asthe conductive material.

A single reference trace 1502A-C may be used for two or more sensingarea activation traces 1418A-D provided that the sensor elementsassociated with the two or more sensing area activation traces 1418A-Dare not to be sensed simultaneously when sharing the single referencetrace 1502A-C. For example, a first sensing area activation trace 1418Amay use a reference trace 1502A and a second sensing area activationtrace 1418B may also use the reference trace 1502A for differentialsignal detection. In such embodiments, sensor elements associated withthe first sensing area activation trace 1418A and the second sensingarea activation trace 1418B should not be sensed simultaneously whensharing the single reference trace 1502A. In some embodiment, the secondsensing area activation trace 1418B can use a second reference trace1502B.

FIG. 15F illustrates another embodiment of arranging conductive materialover the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 15F,reference traces are not used and only sensing area activation traces1418A-D are placed over the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor102. Each of the sensing area activation traces 1418A-D are separated bya predetermined gap 1504. In some embodiments, the sensing areaactivation traces 1418A-D are evenly distributed over the sensing area106. In other embodiments, the sensing area activation traces 1418A-Bare not evenly distributed over the sensing area 106 and concentrated ona specific portion of the sensing area 106, as shown in FIG. 15G. Thesensing area activation traces 1418A-B may be in any shape or size, asshown in FIG. 15H. As shown in FIG. 15H, the sensing area activationtraces 1418A-B are not restricted to the shape of a strip having alength corresponding to the width of the sensing area along direction“G.” For example, the sensing area activation traces 1418A-B may be inthe shape of square or rectangle blocks on the sensing area. When thesensing area activation traces 1418A-B are in the shape of a square or arectangle block, there may be a loss in detection sensitivity becausethe sensing area activation traces 1418A-B are not aligned with the fulllength of the pickup lines of the sensing area 106. In order tocompensate for any loss in detection sensitivity, the square orrectangle block sensing area activation traces 1418A-B are wider alongthe sensing area length, i.e., direction “H,” in order to cover morepickup lines. In some embodiments, the area of a square or rectangleblock sensing area activation trace 1418A-B is the equivalent of an areaof a sensing area activation trace in the shape of a strip asillustrated in FIG. 15G. Accordingly, a square or rectangle blocksensing area activation trace 1418A-B may cover the same area of thesensing area 106 as a sensing area activation trace 1418A-B in the shapeof a strip and therefore cover the same number of pickup/drive lineoverlaps (i.e., sensor elements) as the strip-shaped activation trace.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment of an alternative noise reductionconcept in which the data input device comprises one or more keys 1614formed as interdigitated plates 1608A-B. In some embodiments, each ofthe one or more keys 1614 comprises a first plate 1608A and a secondplate 1608B. As shown in FIG. 16A, the first plate 1608A is connected toa first sensing area activation trace 1610A and the second plate 1608Bis connected to a second sensing area activation trace 1610B.Accordingly, each key 1614 may be associated with sensor elementscovered by two sensor activation traces 1610A, 1610B. Sensor elementscovered by the first sensing area activation trace 1610A may beconnected to a negative input 1611B of the differential amplifier 1604and sensor elements covered by the second sensing area activation trace1610B may be connected to a positive input 1611A of the differentialamplifier 1604. In some embodiments, drivers 1609A-B may drive thepositive input 1611A 180 degrees out of phase with the negative input1611B of the differential amplifier 1604. In some embodiments, when afinger contacts the key 1614 and simultaneously contacts first andsecond plates 1608A and 1608B, the contact by the finger completes thecircuit by connecting key 1614 to ground 1606A-B, thereby changingpickup signals detected in the sensor elements associated with theactivation traces 1610A-B. In such embodiments, the differentialamplifier 1604 subtracts the pickup signals of sensor elementsassociated with the first sensing area activation trace 1610A from thepickup signals of the sensor elements associated with the secondactivation trace 1610B, thereby eliminating the noise and unwantedsignal inputs affecting both pickup signals equally and acquiring adifferential signal that would be easily detected by the fingerprintsensor.

FIG. 16B illustrates an embodiment of an alternative noise reductionconcept in which the data input device comprises one or more keys 1624formed as split plates 1618A-B. In some embodiments, each of the one ormore keys 1624 comprises a first plate 1618A and a second plate 1618B.As shown in FIG. 16B, the first plate 1618A is connected to a firstsensing area activation trace 1620A and the second plate 1618B isconnected to a second sensing area activation trace 1620B. Accordingly,each key 1624 is associated with sensor elements covered by two sensoractivation traces 1620A, 1620B. Sensor elements covered by the firstsensing area activation trace 1620A are connected to a negative input1621B of a differential amplifier 1616 and sensor elements covered bythe second sensing area activation trace 1620B are connected to apositive input 1621A of the differential amplifier 1616. In someembodiments, drivers 1619A-B drive the positive input 1621A 180 degreesout of phase with the negative input 1621B of the differential amplifier1604. In some embodiments, when a finger contacts the key 1624 andsimultaneously contacts first and second plates 1618A and 1618B, thecontact by the finger completes the circuit by connecting key 1624 toground 1606A-B, thereby changing pickup signals detected in the sensorelements covered by the activation traces 1620A-B. In such embodiments,the differential amplifier 1616 subtracts the pickup signals of sensorelements covered by the first sensing area activation trace 1620A fromthe pickup signals of the sensor elements covered by the second sensingarea activation trace 1620B, thereby eliminating the noise and unwantedsignal inputs affecting both pickup signals equally and acquiring adifferential signal that would be easily detected by the fingerprintsensor.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the data inputdevice in the form of an overlay 1702 which creates data input keyscoupled to associated spatially distinct data input sensing areas on thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor. In some embodiments, the datainput key is located on a first side of the overlay 1702 and the overlay1702 includes a conductive trace extending through the overlay 1702 to aconductive trace connected to an associated spatially distinct datainput area on an opposite side of the overlay. As shown in FIG. 17, theoverlay 1702 is a single layer overlay and conductive material may beprinted or otherwise applied on or embedded in a top and a bottomsurface of the single layer overlay 1702 and through the single layeroverlay 1702 to connect the conductive material on both surfaces. Insome embodiments, the conductive material printed or applied on the topsurface of the single layer overlay 1702 forms one or more key traces1706. The conductive material printed or applied on the bottom surfaceof the single layer overlay 1702 covering and aligned with a portion ofthe sensing area 106 forms one or more sensing area activation traces1704. The one or more key traces 1706 and the one or more sensing areaactivation traces 1704 are connected by one or more connection traces1708 extending along the bottom surface and through the overlay 1702. Insome embodiments, each of the one or more key traces 1706 is connectedto an associated spatially distinct sensing area activation trace 1704by a dedicated connection trace 1708. Each of the one or more connectiontraces 1708 are spatially distinct. The single layer overlay 1702 may beformed from an electrically insulating material to isolate each of theone or more key traces 1706, connection traces 1708, and sensing areaactivation traces 1704. The function and description of the key traces1706, connection traces 1708, and sensing area activation traces 1704are described in more detail in FIGS. 14A-14C and FIGS. 15A-15H above.

In some embodiments, the single layer overlay 1702 is made of peel-ablefilm and may be temporarily placed over the smart card 104 by applying arepositionable adhesive. In some embodiments, a small tab may beprovided at a side or corner of the single layer overlay 1702 so thatthe user may peel off the overlay 1702 with ease.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a data inputdevice in the form of an overlay 1802 secured to opposite sides of ahost device and including data input keys on multiple surfaces of thehost device that are coupled to associated spatially distinct regions orportions of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG.18, the overlay 1802 is applied to multiple surfaces of the smart card104 or other type of host device. The overlay 1802 covers the sensingarea 106 and provides one or more keys 1806A-B on the same side of thecard 104 as the sensing area 106 and is also wrapped around or foldedaround the smart card 104 in order to provide the user with one or moredata input keys 1806C on the opposite side of the smart card 104. Insome embodiments, conductive material printed or applied on an outsidesurface of the overlay 1802 forms the one or more keys 1806A-C. Theconductive material printed or applied on an inside surface, the surfacein contact with the smart card 104, of the overlay 1802, covering andaligned with a portion of the sensing area 106 forms one or more sensingarea activation traces 1808. The one or more keys 1806A-C and the one ormore sensing area activation traces 1808 are connected by one or moreconnection traces 1810 extending along the inside surface and throughthe overlay 1802. In some embodiments, each of the one or more keys1806A-C are connected to an associated spatially distinct sensing areaactivation trace 1808 by a dedicated connection trace 1810. Each of theone or more connection traces 1810 are spatially distinct. In someembodiments, the overlay 1802 is formed from an electrically insulatingmaterial to isolate each of the one or more keys 1806A-C, connectiontraces 1810, and sensing area activation traces 1808. The function anddescription of the key traces 1806A-C, connection traces 1810, andsensing area activation traces 1808 are described in more detail inFIGS. 14A-14C and FIGS. 15A-15H above.

The embodiment of the overlay disclosed in relation to FIG. 18, whereone or more keys 1806A-B are provided on one side of the card 104 andone or more data input keys 1806C are provided on the opposite side ofthe smart card 104, may improve the convenience of data entry for theuser for certain applications. The availability of data input keys1806A-C on multiple surfaces increases the variety of data inputcombinations. The wrap around portion 1804 of the overlay 1802 may beany shape depending on the shape of the smart card 104 or device theoverlay 1802 is being wrapped or folded around. The overlay 1802 may bea single layer overlay as described in FIG. 17. In other embodiments,the overlay 1802 may be a double layered overlay as described in FIGS.14A-C.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a data input device including datainput keys on a remote keypad device and a data transfer cable couplingthe data input keys to associated spatially distinct sensing regions onthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 19, anoverlay 1908 is electrically attached to an end of a data transfer cable1906 and temporarily placed over the sensing area 106. In someembodiments, conductive material may be printed or applied on a bottomsurface of the overlay 1908 which contacts the surface of the sensingarea 106 when the overlay 1908 is temporarily placed over the sensingarea 106. The conductive material printed or applied on the bottomsurface of the overlay 1908 forms one or more sensing area activationtraces 1910, which covers and aligns with a portion of the sensing area106. The data transfer cable 1906 couples the one or more sensing areaactivation traces 1910 to associated data input keys 1904A-D on a remotekeypad device 1902. The data transfer cable 1906 may be a flexible cablecomprising conductive traces to connect the one or more sensing areaactivation traces 1910 to associated data input keys 1904A-D on theremote keypad device 1902. In some embodiments, the remote keypad device1902 comprises status indicators such as LEDs, a display screen or asound emitting unit, such as an audio speaker or a vibrator, to providefeedback to the user during data input.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a data input device including datainput keys coupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areas on thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor. In some embodiments, the datainput keys 2002A-J are remotely located from the sensing area 106 andthe data input device 2004 extends beyond one or more edges of the hostdevice. As shown in FIG. 20, the data input device 2004 covers a portionof the smart card 104, or any other host device, which contains thesensing area 106 and comprises the data input keys 2002A-J remotelylocated from the sensing area 106. The data input device 2004 may extendoff of the smart card 104 in any direction. The data input device 2004may be in a different shape including a rectangle, a circle, an oval ora lozenge. In some embodiments, repositionable adhesive may be appliedto a portion of a bottom surface of the data input device 2004 thatoverlaps with the surface of the smart card 104. In some embodiments,lines or other indicia may be provided on the bottom surface of the datainput device 2004 to assist the user in properly positioning the datainput device 2004 and smart card 104 with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the data input device 2004 comprises one or moredata input keys 2002A-J, each associated with a spatially discreteregion of the sensing area 106. The data input keys 2002A-J may belocated anywhere on the surface of the data input device 2004. Forexample, the data input keys 2002A-J may be positioned on the area ofthe data input device 2004 that overlies the smart card 104 and/or onthe area of the data input device that is not overlying the smart card104. Each of the one or more keys 2002A-J is connected to an associatedsensing area activation trace covering a portion of the sensing area106. As described above, each key 2002A-J may comprise a conductivematerial printed or otherwise applied to the data input device 2004 toform a key trace, a sensing area activation trace covering theassociated spatially distinct data input region of the sensing area 106,and a connection trace connecting the key trace to the sensing areaactivation trace. The data input device 2004 may be a double layerconstruction with the conductive portions printed on top of a lowerlayer made of a thin material that will not negatively impact theelectrical coupling of the sensing area activation traces with theassociated spatially distinct data input regions of the sensing area 106and an upper layer made from an insulating material and including holesformed over the key traces. In other embodiments, the data input devicemay be a single layer construction with traces formed on top of a layerof insulating material, sensing area activation traces formed on thebottom of the layer and connecting traces formed on the top and/orbottom and extending though the layer.

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrates another embodiment of a data input device inthe form of an overlay 2102. In some embodiments, the overlay 2102comprises a power source (also referred to as a non-data-transmittingpower source) for the fingerprint sensor 102 installed on the card 104.The card 104 comprises the fingerprint sensor 102 with a sensing area106, the LED 308, and the contact pads 108 providing contacts for anexternal power source.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21B, the overlay 2102 comprises a pluralityof data input keys 2106A-D and a pierced hole 2510 to be placed over anLED 308 of the card 104. Each of the plurality of data input keys2106A-D is directly or indirectly coupled to one or more spatiallydistinct regions of the sensing area 106. In some embodiments, the powersource of the overlay 2102 is a solar cell panel 2108. The overlay 2102may comprise two separate or separable parts 2102 a, 2102 b. The overlay2102 may include a perforated line 2112 for separating a portion 2102 acomprising the solar cell panel 2108 and a portion 2102 b comprising theplurality of data input keys 2106A-D. The perforated line 2112 allows auser to easily peel off the portion 2102 b containing the plurality ofdata input keys 2106A-D while the portion 2102 a containing the solarcell panel 2108 remains attached to the card 104. The overlay 2102 maycomprise, for example, an adhesively-backed label or a sleeve placedover the card in one or two parts.

In some embodiments, one or more of the contact pads 108 provideelectric contacts between the card 104 and the solar cell panel 2108contained in the overlay 2102.

The overlay 2102 may be removably placed over a portion of the card 104including the sensing area 106 and the contact pads 108, as shown inFIG. 21C. In some embodiments, the overlay 2102 is operatively placed onthe card 104 such that the solar cell panel 2108 is electrically coupledto the contact pads 108 and the data input keys 2106A-D are electricallycoupled to associated spatially distinct data input sensing areas on thesensing area 106.

As shown in FIG. 21D, a cover overlay 2104 may be removably placed overthe solar cell panel 2108 on portion 2102 a of the overlay 2102. Whenthe cover overlay 2104 is removably placed over the solar cell panel2108, the solar cell panel 2108 cannot generate the power necessary foroperation of the fingerprint sensor 102. Accordingly, the cover overlay2104 needs to be removed from the overlay 2102 to operate thefingerprint sensor 102. When exposed, the solar cell panel 2108 providespower through the contact pads 108 for the operation of the fingerprintsensor 102. The fingerprint sensor 102 may then be activated and enter adata input mode, in which the fingerprint sensor 102 awaits the input ofan activation code via the data input keys 2106A-D. In some embodiments,an indication may be provided to the user via LED 308 to signal to theuser that the card is powered and ready to receive an activation code.In some embodiments, instructions may be provided on the cover overlay2102 to give guidance to the user. For example, the user may beinstructed to: (i) call a phone number listed on the cover overlay 2104,such as, a 1-800 phone number, to retrieve a numerical activation codeand (ii) peel off the cover overlay 2104 in order to enter the retrievednumerical activation code.

Once the user inputs the correct numerical activation code, thefingerprint sensor 102 enters enrollment mode—e.g., as may be signaledby the LED 308 as described herein. The user may peel off or otherwiseremove the portion 2102 b of the overlay 2102 comprising the data inputkeys 2106A-D to expose the sensing area 106 and enroll a fingerprint.Care must be taken to ensure the portion 2102 a of the overlay is notunintentionally removed from or otherwise dislodged from the card 104during the enrollment mode or while the portion 2102 b is being removed.The overlay 2102 may comprise a small tab 2114 sticking out of one sideadjacent to the perforated line 2112, as shown in FIG. 21C, to help theuser easily peel off the portion 2102 a comprising the data input keys2106A-D. After the user successfully enrolls a fingerprinttemplate—e.g., as may be signaled by the LED as described herein—theuser may peel off any remaining portions of the overlay 2102, includingthe solar cell 2108, to obtain the functional smart card as shown inFIG. 21B.

In some embodiments, the portion of the overlay 2102 comprising thesolar cell panel 2108 may be provided as a power source housing, asdescribed in FIGS. 11A and 12A. In such embodiments, the overlay doesnot require a battery connection tab 1112. Instead, a cover overlay maybe removably placed over the solar cell panel.

The overlay 2102 may be provided as an alternative power source, asshown in FIG. 10A. In such embodiments, the solar cell panel and thecover overlay placed over the solar cell panel may be provided on thetop cover of the power source and the data input keys may be located onthe flap of the power source.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a simple,cost-effective method 2200 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, is described in detailbelow. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 22, a smart card isassumed to be the device containing the fingerprint sensor, but themethod is not restricted to a smart card and can be used for any devicethat contains a fingerprint sensor in alternative embodiments. A smartcard, as defined by the “Smart Card Alliance,” is a device in which anintegrated circuit, or chip, is embedded. Smart card technology conformsto international standards ISO/IEC 7816 and ISO/IEC 14443. Accordingly,a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a smart cardis not restricted to a plastic card. While the plastic card was theinitial smart card form factor, technology used for the smart card isnow available in a wide variety of form factors, including plasticcards, key fobs, and subscriber identification modules (SIMs) used inGSM mobile phones, watches, electronic passports and USB-based tokens.Smart card applications include, and are not restricted to, bank cards,mobile phone subscriber identification modules (SIM), healthcare cards,government and enterprise ID cards, benefits and social welfare cards,driver's licenses, physical and logical access cards, mass transit(ticketing) cards, and card that combine multiple applications on asingle card,

In step 2202, a data input device, such as the data input device in theform of an overlay as shown in FIGS. 3B and 13 or the data input devicein the form of a sleeve as shown in FIGS. 10-12, is temporarilyconnected to a fingerprint-enabled smart card. In some embodiments, aunique code, such as an activation code, is written into a secure memoryof the smart card and encrypted in a secure location during themanufacturing process of the smart card. The fingerprint sensor on thesmart card is calibrated during the manufacturing process and set todata-input mode before the smart card is sent to the user. A data inputdevice, such as, for example any of the overlays or sleeves describedherein, may be placed on the card as a final or near-final step of thecard manufacturing process. The data input device may be temporarilyplaced over the portion of the card including the sensing area 106 byapplying a repositionable adhesive provided by companies such as 3M,Krylon, Franklin Adhesives and Polymers and Bostik.

In step 2204, the card provider provides the smart card and a low-cost,simple power source to the user, e.g., sent by mail or courier or givenout by a bank or retail outlet. The power source could be batterypowered, powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector), or solar powered.A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the power source is described inFIGS. 9A-9H. In some embodiments, if the smart card contains an on-boardpower source, the power source need not be provided to the user.

The smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with thesmart card already inserted in the power source as described in FIGS.11A-11C and 12A-C. In such embodiments, a battery connection tab may beinserted between the power source and the smart card to keep a powerconnection disconnected. The user may pull out the battery connectiontab, as shown in FIG. 12A, to connect the power source to the smartcard.

In step 2206, the user follows instructions, received with the card toobtain an activation code from the card provider. For example, the usermay be asked to call a number, or the data input device might have a QR®code that the user can scan with a smart phone, or the user could log-into their on-line banking site or mobile application and indicate theywish to receive an activation code by SMS. In some embodiments, othersecure mechanisms for obtaining the activation code are available. Insome embodiments, a six-digit activation code provides the user with anappropriate security level. The security level may be increased ordecreased by varying the number of required digits, depending on thecard provider's requirements.

In step 2208, if not already done, the user connects the smart card tothe power source, for example by inserting the card into a power sourcehousing. The card receives power from the power source, and a statusindicator on the smart card (e.g., an LED) indicates to the user thatthe smart card is ready.

In step 2210, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys of the data input device in a sequencecorresponding to the activation code, for example, as described in FIGS.2A, 3A-3B, 10D, 11A, 12A, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20. The fingerprint sensormay be configured to simply detect presence of the finger on the remoteor direct-contact data input key in the code entry and unlock mode. Insome embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may be configured to detectfingerprint ridges and valleys in the code entry and unlock mode.

In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may comprise a statusindicator configured to indicate to the user that the entered code iscorrect or incorrect. If the entered code is incorrect, the user maymake a pre-determined number of additional attempts before the smartcard locks the user out permanently. For example, the user may get threeattempts to correctly enter the code. In some embodiments, if the numberof unsuccessful attempts reaches the limit or the activation code is notentered before a pre-set time has passed, the smart card locks the userout permanently.

In some embodiments, if one or two unsuccessful entries have been made,the number of unsuccessful entries is stored in a non-volatile memory.In such embodiments, even if power to the smart card is disconnected andreapplied, the smart card still remembers how many unsuccessful entrieshave been made. Accordingly, the card cannot be “re-set” to a fullcomplement of attempts by disconnecting the card after a number ofunsuccessful attempts that is less than the maximum allowed number ofattempts.

A smart card “state” may be stored in the non-volatile memory of thecard. For example, different states may include: (i) “new state” meaningthe card is awaiting unlock by entry of a valid activation code; (ii)“unlocked state” meaning that the card is unlocked but enrollment hasnot been successfully completed; (iii) “active state” meaning that thecard is unlocked and an enrollment has been successfully completed; and(iv) “locked state” meaning that the card unlock procedure has beenunsuccessfully attempted.

In step 2212, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now remove the data input device from the card and start toenroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode). The smart card must remainconnected to the power source throughout the enrollment process. Thestatus indicator makes an indication to the user when an image isacceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds, and mayindicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashingseveral times. The status indicator may indicate to the user whensufficient acceptable images have been gathered for a fingerprinttemplate, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 ormore seconds. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

In some embodiments, the user may trigger the enrollment mode bycorrectly entering the activation code and not complete the enrollment.That is, the fingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the userdoes not provide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor forthe purpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In step 2214, the user removes the smart card from the power source, andthe power source may be discarded.

Accordingly, the user has now successfully enrolled a fingerprint in thesmart card through the simple, cost-effective method 2200 and can usethe smart card in the normal way to pay for items, but now requiringfingerprint verification in order to use the smart card. In someembodiments, multiple users may enroll a fingerprint on the smart card,or a user may enroll multiple fingers on the smart card, using the abovenoted method 2200. In such embodiments, the card may be programmed withmultiple activation codes that are provided to each user. For eachmethod 2200, a new activation code is required and entered to enroll anew user/finger.

In some embodiments of the method 2200, the data input device may beprovided as a sleeve and guide the user for activation code entry asdescribed in FIGS. 11A-11C and 12A-12C.

In some embodiments of the method 2200, the overlay may be not requiredto guide the user for activation code entry. In such embodiments, thepower source may comprise a pierced flap to guide the user, as describedin FIGS. 10A-10E, and the overlay need not be placed on the card as partof a manufacturing process of the card.

In some embodiments of the method 2200, the power source may comprise adisplay screen, speakers, and may include a socket for headphones. Insuch embodiments, the smart card may provide status indicationsthroughout the enrollment process through the display screen andspeakers contained in the power source.

FIG. 23A is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a simple,cost effective method 2300 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, without requiring entry ofactivation data (i.e., an activation code) prior to enrolling thefingerprint template.

In step 2302, a fingerprint-enabled smart card is manufactured. Duringthe manufacturing process, the fingerprint sensor on thefingerprint-enabled smart card is configured to be in a default“enrollment mode” when connected to a power source. The card providermay optionally set the status of the smart card as inactive to preventunauthorized use before the intended user can enroll a fingerprinttemplate and contact the card provider to activate the card.

In step 2304, the card provider provides the smart card and a low-cost,simple power source to the user, e.g., sent by mail or courier or givenout by a bank or retail outlet. The power source may be battery powered,powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector), or solar powered. Anon-limiting exemplary embodiment of the power source is described inFIGS. 9A-9H. In some embodiments, if the smart card contains an on-boardpower source, such as a solar cell, an external power source is notrequired.

In step 2306, the user connects the smart card to the power source by,for example, inserting the card into a power source housing havingcontacts for connecting one or more power transmission contacts of thesmart card to the power source without connecting any data transmissioncontacts of the smart card to a device configured to transmit data to orreceive data from the card. Accordingly, connecting the smart card tothe power source does nothing but provide power to the electricalcomponents of the smart card—e.g., LED, logic elements, sensor elements,etc. —and the power source is unable to transmit data to or from thesmart card.

The smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with thesmart card already inserted in the power source as described in FIG. 9A.In such embodiments, a battery connection tab is inserted between thepower source and the smart card to keep a power connection disconnected.The user may pull out the battery connection tab, as shown in FIG. 12A,to connect the power source to the smart card.

Connection to the power source may automatically activate the enrollmentmode in the fingerprint sensor. In some embodiments, the enrollment modein the fingerprint sensor is activated once upon a specific instance ofconnecting the card to the power source (e.g., the first, second, third,etc. connection of the smart card to the power source). The card remainsin enrollment mode until disconnected from the power source or until theenrollment is complete. If the card is disconnected from the powersource before enrollment is complete, the card cannot again be put intoenrollment mode by re-connecting the card to the power source, and theuser may be required to take some action, such as contact the cardprovider or obtain a new card, to enable the card to be put intoenrollment mode.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by connecting the card to thepower source and not complete the enrollment. That is, the fingerprintsensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does not provide any orsufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for the purpose of gatheringsufficient acceptable images for a fingerprint template. In suchembodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a power saving sleep mode,also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoid draining the powersource. For example, once the fingerprint sensor enters the enrollmentmode and does not receive any input from the user for a predeterminedperiod of time, the fingerprint sensor enters the power saving sleepmode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resume the enrollmentprocess. In some embodiments, any acceptable images captured before thefingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleep mode are saved so thatthe enrollment process continues where the user had left off. In someembodiments, smart card components, such as the secure element module,may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprint sensor enters the powersaving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart card components may wake up whenthe fingerprint sensor wakes up from the power saving sleep mode andresumes the enrollment process.

In other embodiments, the enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor isactivated each time the smart card is connected to the power sourceuntil a fingerprint template is stored. In yet another embodiment,enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor may be activated each time thesmart card is connected to the power source until a fingerprint templatehas been stored after the initial automatic activation upon the specificinstance of connecting the smart card to the power source.

The card receives power from the power source, and a status indicator onthe smart card (e.g., an LED) indicates to the user that the one or morepower transmission contacts of the power source are connected to thepower source (i.e., the card is powered), that the fingerprint sensor isin enrollment mode, and the smart card is ready for enrollment to start.

In step 2308, the user can now start to enroll a fingerprint. Thefingerprint is enrolled by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor. The smart card must remain connected to the powersource throughout the enrollment process. In the event the smart card isdisconnected from the power source during the enrollment process, theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor is automatically deactivated.In some embodiments, reconnecting the smart card to the power sourceautomatically activates the enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensoruntil a fingerprint template is stored. That is, enrollment mode may beautomatically activated upon application of power to the card if thecard logic detects that no fingerprint template has been stored for thecard. The enrollment process is complete when a sufficient fingerprinttemplate is acquired and stored in the fingerprint sensor (e.g., asdescribed in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,813). Once theenrollment process is complete, enrollment mode in the fingerprintsensor is disabled. Accordingly, connecting the smart card to the powersource after a successful enrollment will no longer activate theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor. In some embodiments, thestatus indicator provides an indication to the user when an image isacceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds, and mayindicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashingseveral times. The status indicator may indicate to the user whensufficient acceptable images have been gathered for the fingerprinttemplate and confirm that the enrolling step is successfully complete,e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 or moreseconds. In other embodiments, more than one LED may flash differentcolors to communicate the various indications described above. Aflexible display such as an OLED panel may be used to provide textualfeedback during the enrollment process.

In step 2310, the user removes the smart card from the power source,thereby disconnecting the one or more power transmission contacts of thesmart card from the power source, and the power source may be discarded.

If the card provider set the status of the card as inactive at step2302, then the user must activate the card before attempting to use it.In step 2312, the user contacts the card provider (e.g., by phone, app,internet, etc.) to activate the smart card. The user must provideacceptable user verification details to the card provider in order toactivate the smart card. If the user is verified, the card provider setsthe card status as active in their systems. The user is now able to usethe card in the normal way to pay for items, but now requiringfingerprint verification in order to use the smart card. If the user isnot verified, the card remains inactive and cannot be used.

FIG. 23B is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a simple,cost effective method 2314 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, without requiring entry ofactivation data (i.e., an activation code) prior to enrolling thefingerprint template.

In step 2316, a fingerprint-enabled smart card is manufactured. The cardprovider may optionally set the status of the smart card as inactive toprevent unauthorized use before the intended user can enroll afingerprint template and contact the card provider to activate the card.

In step 2318, the card provider provides the smart card and a low-cost,simple power source to the user, e.g., sent by mail or courier or givenout by a bank or retail outlet. The power source may be battery powered,powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector), or solar powered. Anon-limiting exemplary embodiment of the power source is described inFIGS. 9A-9H. In some embodiments, if the smart card contains an on-boardpower source, such as a solar cell, an external power source is notrequired.

In step 2320, the user connects the smart card to the power source by,for example, inserting the card into a power source housing havingcontacts for connecting one or more power transmission contacts of thesmart card to the power source without connecting any data transmissioncontacts of the smart card to a device configured to transmit data to orreceive data from the card. Accordingly, connecting the smart card tothe power source does nothing but provide power to the electricalcomponents of the smart card—e.g., LED, logic elements, sensor elements,etc. —and the power source is unable to transmit data to or from thesmart card.

The smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with thesmart card already inserted in the power source as described in FIG. 9A.In such embodiments, a battery connection tab is inserted between thepower source and the smart card to keep a power connection disconnected.The user may pull out the battery connection tab, as shown in FIG. 12A,to connect the power source to the smart card.

In step 2322 one or more trigger events are detected that results in thefingerprint sensor being put into enrollment mode. An example triggerevent may be based on the non-expiration of a timer or a counter. Forexample, the trigger event may be detecting that the timer or counterhas not expired. In such embodiments, a user can enroll a biometrictemplate within a certain time after the fingerprint sensor is put intoenrollment mode. In other embodiments, the trigger event may bedetecting that the age of the smart card is under a certain age limitwhich is tracked, for example, by the timer or the counter. The countermay be incremented each time a biometric template has been successfullyenrolled or whenever the smart card was used. In such embodiments, thetrigger event may be detecting that the counter has not exceeded apredetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined number of biometrictemplate enrollments or card uses).

Another example trigger event may include an occurrence of an errorstate. A software or hardware component error may occur during theenrollment. An error recovery procedure initiated in response to suchsoftware or hardware component error may be the trigger event. In suchembodiments, the software or hardware component error would have to be arecoverable error (e.g., a minor error, a transient event or a glitch).Thus, detection of a recoverable error that precluded completion of theenrollment process would cause the sensor to enter enrollment mode. Insuch embodiments, a non-recoverable error occurring during theenrollment (e.g., a component on the card fails) would not initiate orconstitute a trigger event.

Other example trigger events include detection of a flag set last timethe card was inserted in a card reader (for example a flag set when thecard is inserted into a card reader that transmits data to or from thecard and instructing the card to enter enrollment mode the next time thecard is connected to power), lack of an enrolled fingerprint template onthe card is detected, or detecting that power has been provided to thecard. Still another trigger event may be detection that the card hasbeen inserted into a power source that has connection to only powercontacts on the card and no data transmission contacts. Other events, orcombinations of events, may be trigger events. The trigger event may bedetected by the fingerprint sensor, or by another component on the card(e.g., the secure element module) or may be detected as a result of thefingerprint sensor and another component on the card interacting, e.g.,a handshake. If a component other than the fingerprint sensor detectsthe trigger event, that component may signal to the fingerprint sensorto enter enrollment mode.

The enrollment mode may be triggered, but the user may not complete theenrollment. That is, the fingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode,but the user does not provide any or sufficient input to the fingerprintsensor for the purpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for afingerprint template. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor mayenter a power saving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on fingermode,” to avoid draining the power source. For example, once thefingerprint sensor enters the enrollment mode and does not receive anyinput from the user for a predetermined period of time, the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch towake up and resume the enrollment process. In some embodiments, anyacceptable images captured before the fingerprint sensor entered thepower saving sleep mode are saved so that the enrollment processcontinues where the user had left off. In some embodiments, smart cardcomponents, such as the secure element module, may enter a sleep modewhen the fingerprint sensor enters the power saving sleep mode.Similarly, the smart card components may wake up when the fingerprintsensor wakes up from the power saving sleep mode and resumes theenrollment process.

In some embodiments, the card remains in enrollment mode untildisconnected from the power source or until the enrollment is complete.If the card is disconnected from the power source before enrollment iscomplete, the process may move back to step 2322, whereby an appropriatetrigger event will result in the sensor being put back into enrollmentmode, or alternatively the user may be required to take some action,such as contact the card provider or obtain a new card, to enable thecard to be put into enrollment mode.

In some embodiments, the card receives power from the power source, anda status indicator on the smart card (e.g., an LED) indicates to theuser that the one or more power transmission contacts of the powersource are connected to the power source (i.e., the card is powered),that the fingerprint sensor is in enrollment mode, and the smart card isready for enrollment to start.

In step 2324, the user can now start to enroll a fingerprint. Thefingerprint is enrolled by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor. The smart card must remain connected to the powersource throughout the enrollment process. In the event the smart card isdisconnected from the power source during the enrollment process, theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor is automatically deactivated.In some embodiments, reconnecting the smart card to the power sourcemoves the process back to step 2322, whereby an appropriate triggerevent will result in the sensor being put back into enrollment mode. Theenrollment process is complete when a sufficient fingerprint template isacquired and stored in the fingerprint sensor (e.g., as described inpreviously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,813). Once the enrollmentprocess is complete, enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor isdisabled permanently or alternatively, until a fresh trigger eventoccurs. In some embodiments, the status indicator provides an indicationto the user when an image is acceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminatingfor a few seconds, and may indicate when an image is not acceptable,e.g., by the LED flashing several times. The status indicator mayindicate to the user when sufficient acceptable images have beengathered for the fingerprint template and confirm that the enrollingstep is successfully complete, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longerperiod, such as 10 or more seconds. In another embodiment, more than oneLED may flash different colors to communicate the various indicationsdescribed above. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

In step 2326, the user removes the smart card from the power source,thereby disconnecting the one or more power transmission contacts of thesmart card from the power source, and the power source may be discarded.

In some embodiments, the card provider sets the status of the card asinactive at step 2316. In such embodiments, the user must activate thecard before attempting to use it. Accordingly, the method 2314 to enrollthe biometric template may include a further step 2328 in which the usercontacts the card provider (e.g., by phone, app, internet, etc.) toactivate the smart card. The user must provide acceptable userverification details to the card provider in order to activate the smartcard. If the user is verified, the card provider sets the card status asactive in their systems. The user is now able to use the card in thenormal way to pay for items, but now requiring fingerprint verificationin order to use the smart card. If the user is not verified, the cardremains inactive and cannot be used.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a simple, costeffective method 2400 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, is described in detailbelow.

In step 2402, a data input device, such as an overlay as described inFIGS. 3B and 13 or a sleeve as described in FIGS. 10-12, is temporarilyconnected to a fingerprint-enabled smart card. In some embodiments, aunique code, such as an activation code, is written into a secure memoryof the smart card and encrypted in a secure location during themanufacturing process of the smart card. The fingerprint sensor on thesmart card may be calibrated during the manufacturing process and set todata-input mode before the smart card is sent to the user. A data inputdevice, such as, for example any of the overlays or sleeves describedherein, may be placed on the card as a final or near-final step of thecard manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the data input deviceis temporarily placed on the card by applying a repositionable adhesiveprovided by companies such as 3M, Krylon, Franklin Adhesives andPolymers and Bostik may be applied to the overlay 302 to temporarilyplace over the portion of the card 104 including the sensing area 106.

In step 2404, the card provider provides the smart card to the user,e.g., sent by mail or courier or given out by a bank or retail outlet.

In step 2406, the user has access to a device, e.g., a smartphone, thatis able to provide power wirelessly, e.g., via Near Field Communication,and thus, it is not necessary to provide a power source to the user. Apower source may be provided to the user to give the user the choice ofusing wireless power or wired power.

In step 2408, the user follows instructions, received with the card toobtain an activation code from the card provider. The user may be askedto call a number, or the data input device might have a QR® code thatthe user can scan with a smart phone, or the user could log-in to theiron-line banking site or mobile application and indicate they wish toreceive an activation code by SMS. Other secure mechanisms to obtain theactivation code may be available in alternative embodiments. In someembodiments, a six digit activation code provides the user with anappropriate security level. The security level may be increased ordecreased by varying the number of required digits, depending on thecard provider's requirements.

In step 2410, the user places the smart card near the smartphone inrange for NFC connectivity, as shown in FIGS. 25A-25D. As shown in FIGS.25A-25D, the smart card 104 is positioned near a communication device2502, such as for example a smart phone, in various configurations. Ineach configuration, the fingerprint sensor 102 in the smart card 104 isleft accessible such that the user can touch the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor 102 while keeping the smart card 104 within the NFCrange. The smart card 104 receives power through NFC connectivity and astatus indicator on the smart card 104 may show the user that the smartcard 104 is ready for enrollment to start. In some embodiments, the usermay disable all connectivity on the communication device 2502, exceptfor NFC, to ensure that the communication device 2502 is completely“off-grid” during the enrollment process for added security. Forexample, the user can turn off cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

Referring back to FIG. 24, in step 2412, the user enters the activationcode by sequentially touching the data input keys of the data inputdevice in a sequence corresponding to the activation code, for example,as described in FIGS. 2A, 3A-3B, 10D, 11A, 12A, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20.The fingerprint sensor is configured to simply detect presence of thefinger on the remote or direct-contact data input keys in the code entryand unlock mode. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may beconfigured to detect fingerprint ridges and valleys in the code entryand unlock mode.

In some embodiments, the status indicator may indicate to the user thatthe entered code is correct or incorrect. If the entered code isincorrect, the user may make a pre-determined number of additionalattempts before the smart card locks the user out permanently. Forexample, the user may get three attempts to correctly enter the code. Insome embodiments, if the number of unsuccessful attempts reaches thelimit or the activation code is not entered before a pre-set time haspassed, the smart card may lock the user out permanently.

In some embodiments, if one or two unsuccessful entries have been made,the number of unsuccessful entries may be stored in a non-volatilememory. Accordingly, even if power to the smart card is disconnected andreapplied, the smart card may still remember how many unsuccessfulentries have been made. Accordingly, the card cannot be “re-set” to afull complement of attempts by disconnecting the card after a number ofunsuccessful attempts that is less than the maximum allowed number ofattempts.

In some embodiments a smart card “state” may be stored in thenon-volatile memory of the card. For example, different states mayinclude: (i) “new state” meaning the card is awaiting unlock by entry ofa valid activation code; (ii) “unlocked state” meaning that the card isunlocked but enrollment has not been successfully completed; (iii)“active state” meaning that the card is unlocked and an enrollment hasbeen successfully completed; and (iv) “locked state” meaning that thecard unlock procedure has been unsuccessfully attempted.

In step 2414, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now remove the data input device from the card and start toenroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode). The smart card must remain inrange for NFC connectivity to the smartphone throughout the enrollmentprocess. The status indicator may make an indication to the user when animage is acceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds, andmay indicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashingseveral times. The status indicator may indicate to the user whensufficient acceptable images have been gathered for a fingerprinttemplate, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 ormore seconds. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for thepurpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In step 2416, the user moves the smart card out of range for NFCconnectivity to remove the smart card from the power source. In someembodiments, if the user had disabled all connectivity on the device,except for NFC, in step 2410, the user may re-enable all connectivity onthe device.

Accordingly, the user has now successfully enrolled a fingerprint in thesmart card through method 2400 and can use the smart card in the normalway to pay for items, but now requiring fingerprint verification inorder to use the smart card. In some embodiments, multiple users mayenroll a fingerprint on the smart card, or a user may enroll multiplefingers on the smart card, using the above noted method. In suchembodiments, the card may be programmed with multiple activation codesthat are provided to each user. To enroll a new user/finger, a newactivation code is entered.

In some embodiments of the method 2400 to enroll the biometric template,the data input device may be provided as a sleeve and may guide the userfor activation code entry as described in FIGS. 11A-11C and 12A-12C.

FIG. 26A illustrates a data input device in the form of an overlay whichincludes data input keys coupled to associated spatially distinctsensing areas on the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor, wherein thedata input keys are remotely located from the sensing area according tosome embodiments. A portion of the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor is exposed through a cut-out formed in the overlay while anotherportion of the sensing area is covered by the overlay.

As shown in FIG. 26A, a data input device in the form of an overlay 2602comprises a portion 2612 covering a portion X (as shown by the dottedlines in FIG. 26A) of the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensorinstalled on the smart card 104 and additionally comprises a cut-out2620 in the overlay 2602 to expose a remaining portion Y of the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, a smart card 104 is the device containing the fingerprintsensor, but the application of the data input device is not restrictedto a smart card and can be used for any device that contains afingerprint sensor in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, theoverlay 2602 is removably placed over a portion of the card 104including portion X of the sensing area 106, and exposing portion Y ofthe sensing area through the cutout 2620 of the overlay 2602. Theoverlay 2602 includes data input keys 2608A-D associated with (e.g.,coupled to) spatially distinct sensing areas on portion X of the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 26A, the data inputkeys 2608A-D may be remotely located from the sensing area 106.

The overlay 2602 may comprise a pierced hole 2606 over the LED 308 orother indicator element on the card 104 when the overlay 2602 is placedover a portion of the card 104 including the sensing area 106 and theLED 308. In some embodiments, an OLED display may operate as thefingerprint sensor. In such embodiments, a portion of the OLED displaythat is included in portion Y of the sensing area 106 is configured tobe used as the indicator element and hence a status indication isvisible through the cut-out in the overlay.

In some embodiments, each data input key 2608A-D may function to enablethe user to enter numbers (e.g., an activation code, such as a PIN code)by tapping his or her finger on the spatially distinct control areas2608A-D. Each data input key 2608A-D of the overlay 2602 is electricallycoupled to an associated spatially distinct portion of portion X of thesensing area 106 such that contact with each key will result in adetectable signal from the sensor element(s) of the associated spatiallydistinct portion of the sensing area 106. The coupling between the keys2608A-D and the sensing area 106 allows the keys 2608A-D to be remotelylocated from the sensing area 106. This provides the significantadvantage of positioning keys 2608A-D in locations not restricted by theboundaries of the sensing area 106. For example, extra space on thesmart card 104 may be used to provide additional keys (e.g., more thanfour keys) or the keys 2608A-D can be spaced further apart, which mayimprove access for the user. In other embodiments, the overlay 2602 maycomprise one data input key electrically coupled to an associatedspatially distinct portion of the sensing area 106 configured to receivea Morse code-type data input by the user.

FIGS. 26B-26C illustrate top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of adata input device in the form of an overlay including data input keyscoupled to associated spatially distinct sensing areas on the portion Xof the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor and additionally includinga cut-out to expose the portion Y of the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 26B-26C, the overlay 2602 comprises a top surface 2604and a bottom surface 2605. A portion 2612 of the bottom surface 2605makes direct contact with the portion X of the sensing area 106 that issmaller than the entire sensing area 106 when the overlay 2602 is placedover the sensing area 106. In some embodiments, the overlay is made of anon-conductive film, e.g., a thin polymer film and may be less than 100microns thick.

As shown in FIG. 26B, the top surface 2604 comprises data input keys2608A-D, a pierced hole 2606 for an LED 308 (as described above in FIG.26A) or other indicator element on the smart card 104, an optional tab2610 for easy removal of the overlay 2602, and a cut-out area 2620 toexpose the portion Y of the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor.The top surface 2604 may be a silk-screen printed to indicate data keys2608A-D. The surface of the edge surrounding each data input key 2608A-Dmay be slightly raised so that a user may feel the circumference of theholes when placing a finger over it.

As shown in FIG. 26C, the bottom surface 2605 comprises key traces2614A-D, connection traces 2616A-D, sensing area, the pierced hole 2606for the LED 308 or other indicator element on the smart card 104, andthe cut-out area 2620 to expose the portion Y of the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor. The data input keys 2608A-D on the top surface alignwith key traces 2614A-D on the bottom surface. A conductive material,such as conductive ink, metallization, conductive polymer, or anyconductive coating may be used to print or apply the key traces 2614A-D,the connection traces 2616A-D, and the sensing area activation traces2618A-D onto the bottom surface 2605. The key traces 2614A-D are locatedremotely from the sensing area activation traces 2618A-D. The connectiontraces 2616A-D connect the key traces 2614A-D to each respective,associated sensing area activation trace 2618A-D. The sensing areaactivation traces 2618A-D are located on the bottom surface 2605 suchthat the sensing area activation traces 2618A-D align with associatedspatially distinct data input regions of the portion X of the sensingarea 106 when the overlay 2602 is placed over the smart card 104.

In a non-limiting exemplary implementation of the embodiment of overlay2602, when the fingerprint sensor is in control mode and data inputmode, sensor elements within portion 2612 (i.e., portion X) of thesensing area 106 are activated and scanned in contact sensing mode anddata input keys 2608A-D are operatively coupled to associated spatiallydistinct activation traces 2618A-D within portion 2612 (i.e., portion X)of the sensing area 106. When the fingerprint sensor with overlay 2602is in enrollment mode, only the sensor elements located within portion2620 (i.e., portion Y) of the two-dimensional array of the sensing area106 may be activated and scanned in the fingerprint sensing mode, andthe sensor controlling circuitry is configured such that multiple imagesof a user's fingerprint may be gathered to acquire a sufficientfingerprint template that is stored in memory. In verification orauthentication mode, the overlay 2602 would typically have been removedfrom the card 104 (or other device), and the sensor elements of theentire sensing area, including portion 2612 (i.e., portion X) andportion 2620 (i.e., portion Y), are scanned in fingerprint sensing modeto generate a fingerprint image for comparison against the fingerprinttemplate created in enrollment mode.

FIG. 27A illustrates an embodiment of arranging conductive material overthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. In this embodiment, thesensing area activation traces 2718A-D may be in the shape of square orrectangle blocks on portion X 2702 of the sensing area 106. FIG. 27Ashows portion X 2702 and portion Y 2704 as two non-overlappingrectangles, sharing one long side along direction “H.” Arranging portionX 2702 and portion Y 2704 in this way optimizes the area of the portionY 2704, thereby providing better fingerprint matching performance.However, other implementations are possible, for example, portion X 2702may be L-shaped or may even form a frame surrounding portion Y 2704.

When the sensing area activation traces 2718A-D are in the shape of asquare or a rectangle block, there may be a loss in detectionsensitivity because the sensing area activation traces 2718A-D are notaligned with the full length of the pickup lines of the sensing area106. In order to compensate for any loss in detection sensitivity, thesquare or rectangle block sensing area activation traces 2718A-D may bewider along the sensing area length, i.e., direction “H,” than theheight in the sensing area width direction “G” in order to cover morepickup lines. In some embodiments, the portion X 2702 of the sensingarea 106 covers around 5-20% of the total sensing area 106. In someembodiments, for a 9 mm×9 mm fingerprint sensor with 6 data inputtraces, each sensing area activation trace 2718A-D is approximately 1 mmsquare, distributed equally along one side of the sensing area 106.

FIG. 27B illustrates an embodiment of arranging conductive material overthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor including activation traceson a portion of the sensing area connected to data keys and referencetraces disposed between and adjacent the activation traces. In someembodiments, sensing area activation traces 2718A-F of equal size andshape are distributed evenly over portion X 2702 of the sensing area106, and reference traces 1502A-G are distributed evenly between eachneighboring pair of the sensing area activation traces 2718A-F (andadjacent each outer-most activation trace 2718A and 2718F) so that thereference traces 1502A-G align with associated spatially distinctreference regions of portion X 2702 of the sensing area 106. In someembodiments, reference traces 1502A-G are the same size and shape as theactivation traces 2718A-F. The sensing area activation traces 2718A-Fare connected through connection traces 1416A-F to corresponding keytraces (not shown). The reference traces 1502A-G are not connected tothe key traces but are subject to noise and unwanted signal inputssimilar to that of the sensing area activation trace 2718A-F. In someembodiments, during the sensor's scanning process, detected signals fromsensor elements covered by the reference traces 1502A-G (also referredto as reference signals) may be subtracted from detected signals fromsensor elements covered the activation traces 2718A-F (also referred toas activation signals) in order to remove the noise and unwantedsignals. In some embodiments, reference signals may be subtracted fromactivation signals by differential amplifier, as described above inconnection with FIG. 15D.

FIG. 27B illustrates reference traces 1502A-G and sensor activationtraces 2718A-F that are evenly distributed in portion X 2702 and ofequal size and shape. However this is not required and the referencetraces 1502A-G and sensor activation traces 2718A-F may be of anyappropriate size and shape at any appropriate distribution in portion X2702 in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates the data input device in the form of an overlay 2602temporarily placed over the smart card 104 according to someembodiments. To aid illustration, the upper surface is not shown and theoverlay 2602 is shown as transparent, so one can see the bottom surface2605 in contact with the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 28, theoverlay 2602 covers a portion of the smart card 104 containing thesensor area 106. The overlay 2602 is placed on the smart card 104 suchthat the sensing area activation traces 2618A-D on the lower layer 2605are covering and aligned with the spatially discrete regions of portionX 2702 of sensing area 106 (encompassing one or more specified sensorelements) associated with each key trace 2614A-D. The cut-out area 2620in the single layered overlay 2602 leaves portion Y 2704 of sensing area106 exposed.

FIGS. 29A-B illustrate devices containing fingerprint sensors with datainput keys incorporated into the device according to some embodiments.In some embodiments, the data keys are a permanent feature of the deviceand are not on a temporary overlay.

FIG. 29A shows an example of a smart card 104 according to someembodiments. Smart cards are typically made of multiple layers ofplastic, some layers incorporating circuitry and possibly an antenna. Insome embodiments, data input keys 2902A-F may be incorporated into alayer of the card body itself, and portion Y 2704 of the sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor 102 may be exposed at a top surface of the cardbody. In a lower layer, key traces may be coupled with the data inputkeys 2902A-F on the upper layer. Connection traces (not shown) connectthe key traces to portion X 2702 of the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor 102. In some embodiments, the data input keys 2902A-F arepartially milled out of the card body to reduce the thickness of thecard body between the key and the underlying key trace. The partialmilling out of the card body may aid the user to locate the data inputkeys by touch.

FIG. 29B shows an example of a device such as a smart watch or fitnessmonitor, according to some embodiments. However, the principles appliedto the device described in FIG. 29B are not restricted to the smartwatch or fitness monitor, and the principles also apply to other deviceswith limited user interfaces such as key fobs, remote controls,dashboards, white goods, and industrial equipment in alternativeembodiments. As shown in FIG. 29B, data input keys 2902G-H, and portionY 2704 of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor are permanentlyavailable to the user on the upper surface of the device. In a layerunderneath, key traces may be coupled with the data input keys 2902G-H.As described above in FIG. 29A, connection traces (not shown) connectthe key traces to portion X 2702 of the sensing area of the fingerprintsensor.

Unlike existing smart cards or goods incorporating keypads, theembodiments described in FIGS. 29A and 29B offer the manufacturer theopportunity to reduce component costs by using the fingerprint sensor toimplement the keypad in addition to offering biometric services. In thespecific case of a contactless smartcard containing a fingerprint sensorand data input keys, the embodiment described in FIG. 29A may beparticularly advantageous in saving on additional circuitry andprocessing logic. In contactless smart cards, the fingerprint sensor102, functioning alone, or in conjunction with other components on thecard 104, may be able to harvest power from an NFC signal in order toprovide fingerprint authentication when placed in range of a wirelesspower device according to some embodiments. In such embodiments, thesame power harvesting circuitry and power management processingcapabilities that the contactless smart card already uses forfingerprint authentication purposes may be employed to power the cardwirelessly when data input is required.

In a non-limiting exemplary implementation of the embodiment of thesmart card of FIG. 29A or the device of FIG. 29B, when the fingerprintsensor 102 is in control mode and data input mode, sensor elementswithin data input sensing area X 2702 of the sensing area 106 areactivated and scanned in contact sensing mode and data input keys areoperatively coupled to associated spatially distinct sensor elementswithin data input sensing area X of the sensing area. When thefingerprint sensor 102 is in enrollment mode, only the sensor elementslocated within exposed sensing area Y 2704 of the two-dimensional arrayof the sensing area 106 may be activated and scanned in the fingerprintsensing mode, and the sensor controlling circuitry is configured suchthat multiple images of a user's fingerprint may be gathered to acquirea sufficient fingerprint template that is stored in memory. Inverification or authentication mode, only the sensor elements locatedwithin exposed sensing area Y 2704 of the two-dimensional array of thesensing area 106 may be activated and scanned in the fingerprint sensingmode, and the sensor controlling circuitry is configured to generate afingerprint image for comparison against the fingerprint templatecreated in enrollment mode.

As described above, the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102installed on the device 104 may be selectively configured to operate infive modes: (1) enrollment mode; (2) verification mode; (3) data inputmode; (4) control mode; and (5) unlock mode. In some embodiments, theuser can select the different modes by different interactions with thesensor 102, such as a double tap, hold, up/down drag, and left/rightdrag on the sensor area 106. In other embodiments, the sensor 102 can beselectively configured in different modes when the user presses the datainput keys that are coupled to the sensing area 106.

However, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26A and 29A-29B additionallyoffer the user the ability to operate in more than one modesimultaneously. For example, if the user was to put one enrolled fingeron sensor area Y 2620, 2704 and at the same time, press one or more datainput keys, the fingerprint sensor can capture a single image from thesensor that would detect the fingerprint image (in area Y 2620, 2704)and would detect which data input key(s) had been pressed (in area X2612, 2702) at that instant. This offers a new suite of possibilities tobe able to interact with a host device in a secure fashion since itallows the host device owner to verify their identity at the exactinstant the owner is making an additional input. Some examples of howthis feature may be used are, for example, the host device can only belocked/unlocked/reset if the verified user of the device is detectedwhen the lock/unlock/reset key is pressed, or certain features on thehost device can only be activated if the user is verified at the sametime as they press a certain key, or a payment from the user's accountcan only be taken if the user is verified at the same time as they press“enter” to authorize the payment, and so on. The features also preventaccidental data entry, e.g., if a user's biometrically-enabled key fobis in her handbag, if something in the bag presses against the key foband hits the unlock button, the car won't unlock because her fingerprinthas not been simultaneously detected.

FIGS. 30-31 show flow charts describing an enrollment process 3000 and3100, respectively, where portion Y 2620 of the sensing area 106 of thefingerprint sensor 102 is exposed to the user through a data inputdevice in the form of an overlay constructed as described in FIGS.26B-26C. Since portion Y 2620 of the sensing area 106 is exposed, afterthe activation code (PIN) has been entered, the user need not remove theoverlay until after the user has enrolled his or her finger, oroptionally, the user may leave the overlay on the device.

Referring to FIG. 30, in step 3002, a data input device, such as a datainput device as shown in FIGS. 26B-26C is temporarily connected to abiometric-enabled device, such as a fingerprint-enabled smart card. Insome embodiments, a unique code, such as an activation code, is writteninto a secure memory of the smart card and encrypted in a securelocation during the manufacturing process of the smart card. Thefingerprint sensor on the smart card may be calibrated during themanufacturing process and set to data-input mode before the smart cardis sent to the user.

In step 3004, the card provider provides the smart card and a low-cost,simple power source to the user, e.g., sent by mail or courier or givenout by a bank or retail outlet. The power source may be battery powered,powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector), or solar powered. Anon-limiting exemplary embodiment of the power source is described inFIGS. 9A-H. In some embodiments, if the smart card contains an on-boardpower source, the power source need not be provided to the user.

The smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with thesmart card already inserted in the power source as described in FIGS.11A-11C and 12A-12C. In such embodiments, a battery connection tab isinserted between the power source and the smart card to keep a powerconnection disconnected. The user may pull out the battery connectiontab, as shown in FIG. 12A, to connect the power source to the smartcard.

In step 3006, the user follows instructions, received with the card toobtain an activation code from the card provider. For example, the usercould be asked to call a number, or the data input device might have aQR® code that the user can scan with a smart phone, or the user couldlog-in to their on-line banking site or mobile application and indicatethey wish to receive an activation code by SMS. Other secure mechanismsto obtain the activation code may be available in alternativeembodiments. A six digit activation code may provide the user with anappropriate security level. The security level may be increased ordecreased by varying the number of required digits, depending on thecard provider's requirements.

In step 3008, if not already done, the user connects the smart card tothe power source, for example by inserting the card into a power sourcehousing. The card receives power from the power source, and a statusindicator on the smart card (e.g., an LED) may indicate to the user thatthe smart card is ready.

In step 3010, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys of the data input device in a sequencecorresponding to the activation code. The status indicator can indicateto the user that the entered code is correct or incorrect. As describedabove, if the entered code is incorrect, the user can make apre-determined number of additional attempts before the smart card locksthe user out permanently. For example, the user may get three attemptsto correctly enter the code. In some embodiments, if the number ofunsuccessful attempts reaches the limit or the activation code is notentered before a pre-set time has passed, the smart card locks the userout.

In step 3012, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now start to enroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode) withoutremoving the data input device from the card. The smart card must remainconnected to the power source throughout the enrollment process. In someembodiments, the status indicator makes an indication to the user whenan image is acceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds,and may indicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LEDflashing several times. The status indicator may indicate to the userwhen sufficient acceptable images have been gathered for a fingerprinttemplate, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 ormore seconds. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for thepurpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In step 3014, the user removes the smart card from the power source, andthe power source may be discarded. The user may, optionally, also removethe data input device after successful enrollment, possibly afteradditional data input.

Accordingly, the user has now successfully enrolled a fingerprint in thesmart card through the enrollment process 3000 and can use the smartcard in the normal way to pay for items, but now requiring fingerprintverification in order to use the smart card. In some embodiments,multiple users may enroll a fingerprint on the smart card, or a user mayenroll multiple fingers on the smart card, using the above noted process3000. In such embodiments, the card may be programmed with multipleactivation codes that are provided to each user. To enroll a newuser/finger through the enrollment process 3000, a new activation codeis entered, which is made convenient by the fact that the data inputdevice was not removed during enrollment of the previous fingerprint.

Referring to FIG. 31, in step 3102, a data input device, such as a datainput device as shown in FIGS. 26A-26C is temporarily connected to abiometric-enabled device, such as a fingerprint-enabled smart card. Insome embodiments, a unique code, such as an activation code, is writteninto a secure memory of the smart card and encrypted in a securelocation during the manufacturing process of the smart card.

In step 3104, the card provider provides the smart card to the user,e.g., sent by mail or courier or given out by a bank or retail outlet.

In step 3106, the user has access to a device, e.g., a smartphone, thatis able to provide power wirelessly, e.g., via Near Field Communication,and thus, it is not necessary to provide a power source to the user. Apower source may optionally be provided to the user to give the user thechoice of using wireless power or wired power.

In step 3108, the user follows instructions, received with the card toobtain an activation code from the card provider. For example, the usercould be asked to call a number, or the data input device might have aQR® code that the user can scan with a smart phone, or the user couldlog-in to their on-line banking site or mobile application and indicatethey wish to receive an activation code by SMS. Other secure mechanismsto obtain the activation code may be available in alternativeembodiments. A six digit activation code may provide the user with anappropriate security level. The security level may be increased ordecreased by varying the number of required digits, depending on thecard provider's requirements.

In step 3110, the user places the smart card near the smartphone inrange for NFC connectivity, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 25A-25D. The smartcard receives power through NFC connectivity and a status indicatorshows the user that the smart card is ready for enrollment to start. Inan embodiment, the user could disable all connectivity on the device,except for NFC, to ensure that the device is completely “off-grid”during the enrollment process for added security. For example, the usercan turn off cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

In step 3112, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys of the data input device in a sequencecorresponding to the activation code. The status indicator may indicateto the user that the entered code is correct or incorrect. If theentered code is incorrect, the user may make a pre-determined number ofadditional attempts before the smart card locks the user outpermanently. For example, the user may get three attempts to correctlyenter the code. In some embodiments, if the number of unsuccessfulattempts reaches the limit or the activation code is not entered beforea pre-set time has passed, the smart card locks the user out.

In some embodiments, if one or two unsuccessful entries have been made,the number of unsuccessful entries is stored in a non-volatile memory.Accordingly, even if power to the smart card is disconnected andreapplied, the smart card still remembers how many unsuccessful entrieshave been made. Accordingly, the card cannot be “re-set” to a fullcomplement of attempts by disconnecting the card after a number ofunsuccessful attempts that is less than the maximum allowed number ofattempts.

In step 3114, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now start to enroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode) withoutremoving the data input device from the card. The smart card must remainin range for NFC connectivity to the smartphone throughout theenrollment process. In some embodiments, the status indicator may makean indication to the user when an image is acceptable, e.g., by an LEDilluminating for a few seconds, and may indicate when an image is notacceptable, e.g., by the LED flashing several times. The statusindicator may indicate to the user when sufficient acceptable imageshave been gathered for a fingerprint template, e.g., by the LEDilluminating for longer period, such as 10 or more seconds. A flexibledisplay such as an OLED panel may be used to provide textual feedbackduring the enrollment process.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for thepurpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In step 3116, the user moves the smart card out of range for NFCconnectivity to remove the smart card from the power source andoptionally removes the data input device. In some embodiments, if theuser had disabled all connectivity on the device, except for NFC, instep 3110, the user can re-enable all connectivity on the device.

FIGS. 32-33 are flow charts showing enrollment process 3200 and 3300,respectively, on a device as illustrated in FIGS. 29A-B where data inputkeys 2902A-F, 2902G-H and portion Y 2704 of the fingerprint sensor 102are permanently available to the user.

Referring to FIG. 32, in step 3202, data input keys are incorporatedinto a fingerprint-enabled smart card or other device. In someembodiments, a unique code, such as an activation code, is written intoa secure memory of the device and encrypted in a secure location duringthe manufacturing process of the device. The fingerprint sensor on thedevice may be calibrated during the manufacturing process and set todata-input mode before the smart card is sent to the user.

In step 3204, the device provider provides the device and a low-cost,simple power source to the user, e.g., sent by mail or courier or givenout by a bank or retail outlet. The power source may be battery powered,powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector), or solar powered. Anon-limiting exemplary embodiment of the power source is described inFIGS. 9A-9H. In some embodiments, if the device contains an on-boardpower source, the power source need not be provided to the user.

A smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with the smartcard already inserted in the power source as described in FIGS. 11A-11Cand 12A-C. In such embodiments, a battery connection tab is insertedbetween the power source and the smart card to keep a power connectiondisconnected. The user may pull out the battery connection tab, as shownin FIG. 12A, to connect the power source to the smart card.

In step 3206, the user follows instructions, received with the device toobtain an activation code from the device provider. For example, theuser could be asked to call a number, or the data input device mighthave a QR® code that the user can scan with a smart phone, or the usercould log-in to their on-line banking site or mobile application andindicate they wish to receive an activation code by SMS. Other securemechanisms to obtain the activation code may be available in alternativeembodiments. A six digit activation code may provide the user with anappropriate security level. The security level may be increased ordecreased by varying the number of required digits, depending on thecard provider's requirements.

In step 3208, if not already done, the user connects the device to thepower source, for example by inserting the device, e.g., a card, into apower source housing. The device receives power from the power source,and a status indicator on the device (e.g., an LED) indicates to theuser that the device is ready.

In step 3210, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys of the data input device in a sequencecorresponding to the activation code. The status indicator may indicateto the user that the entered code is correct or incorrect. As describedabove, if the entered code is incorrect, the user may make apre-determined number of additional attempts before the smart card locksthe user out permanently. For example, the user may get three attemptsto correctly enter the code. In some embodiments, if the number ofunsuccessful attempts reaches the limit or the activation code is notentered before a pre-set time has passed, the smart card locks the userout.

In step 3212, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now start to enroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode). The devicemust remain connected to the power source throughout the enrollmentprocess. The status indicator may make an indication to the user when animage is acceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds, andmay indicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashingseveral times. The status indicator may indicate to the user whensufficient acceptable images have been gathered for a fingerprinttemplate, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 ormore seconds. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for thepurpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In step 3214, the user removes the device from the power source.

Accordingly, the user has now successfully enrolled a fingerprint in thedevice according to process 3200 and can use the device in the normalway, but now requiring fingerprint verification in order to use thedevice. In some embodiments, multiple users may enroll a fingerprint onthe device, or a user may enroll multiple fingers on the device, usingthe above noted method. In such embodiments, the device may beprogrammed with multiple activation codes that are provided to eachuser. To enroll a new user/finger according to process 3200, a newactivation code is entered, which is made convenient by the fact thatthe data input keys are permanently incorporated into the device.

Referring to FIG. 33, the process 3300 begins with step 3302, in whichdata input keys are incorporated into a fingerprint-enabled smart cardor other device. In some embodiments, a unique code, such as anactivation code, is written into a secure memory of the device andencrypted in a secure location during the manufacturing process of thedevice. The fingerprint sensor on the device may be calibrated duringthe manufacturing process and set to data-input mode before the smartcard is sent to the user.

In step 3304, the device provider provides the device to the user, e.g.,sent by mail or courier or given out by a bank or retail outlet.

In step 3306, the user has access to a device, e.g., a smartphone, thatis able to provide power wirelessly, e.g., via Near Field Communication,and thus, it is not necessary to provide a power source to the user. Apower source may be provided to the user to give the user the choice ofusing wireless power or wired power.

In step 3308, the user follows instructions, received with the device toobtain an activation code from the device provider. For example, theuser could be asked to call a number, or be given a QR® code that theuser can scan with a smart phone, or the user could log-in to theiron-line banking site or mobile application and indicate they wish toreceive an activation code by SMS. Other secure mechanisms to obtain theactivation code may be available in alternative embodiments. A six digitactivation code may provide the user with an appropriate security level.The security level may be increased or decreased by varying the numberof required digits, depending on the card provider's requirements.

In step 3310, the user places the device near the smartphone in rangefor NFC connectivity, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 25A-25D. The devicereceives power through NFC connectivity and a status indicator shows theuser that the smart card is ready for enrollment to start. In someembodiments, the user may disable all connectivity on the device, exceptfor NFC, to ensure that the device is completely “off-grid” during theenrollment process for added security. For example, the user can turnoff cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

In step 3312, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys in a sequence corresponding to theactivation code. The status indicator may indicate to the user that theentered code is correct or incorrect. If the entered code is incorrect,the user may make a pre-determined number of additional attempts beforethe smart card locks the user out permanently. For example, the user mayget three attempts to correctly enter the code. In some embodiments, ifthe number of unsuccessful attempts reaches the limit or the activationcode is not entered before a pre-set time has passed, the smart cardlocks the user out.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any or sufficient input to the fingerprint sensor for thepurpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

In some embodiments, if one or two unsuccessful entries have been made,the number of unsuccessful entries is stored in a non-volatile memory.In such embodiments, even if power to the smart card is disconnected andreapplied, the smart card still remembers how many unsuccessful entrieshave been made. Accordingly, the card cannot be “re-set” to a fullcomplement of attempts by disconnecting the card after a number ofunsuccessful attempts that is less than the maximum allowed number ofattempts.

In step 3314, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now start to enroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode). The devicemust remain in range for NFC connectivity to the smartphone throughoutthe enrollment process. In some embodiments, the status indicator makesan indication to the user when an image is acceptable, e.g., by an LEDilluminating for a few seconds, and may indicate when an image is notacceptable, e.g., by the LED flashing several times. The statusindicator may indicate to the user when sufficient acceptable imageshave been gathered for a fingerprint template, e.g., by the LEDilluminating for longer period, such as 10 or more seconds. A flexibledisplay such as an OLED panel may be used to provide textual feedbackduring the enrollment process.

In step 3316, the user moves the device out of range for NFCconnectivity to remove the smart card from the power source. In someembodiments, if the user had disabled all connectivity on the device,except for NFC, in step 3310, the user can re-enable all connectivity onthe device.

FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate another embodiment of a data input device inthe form of an overlay 3402. As shown in FIGS. 34A-34E, the overlay 3402integrates a power source (also referred to as a non-data-transmittingpower source) for the fingerprint sensor 102 installed on a device 104as well as data input elements for entering data via signals generatedat the fingerprint sensor. In the embodiment described in relation toFIGS. 34A-34E, a smart card is the device containing the fingerprintsensor. However, the application of the data input device is notrestricted to a smart card and can be used for any device that containsa fingerprint sensor in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments,the smart card 104 comprises the fingerprint sensor 102 with a sensingarea 106, possibly LEDs or other status indicators 308, and contact pads108 providing contacts for an external power source.

In some embodiments, the overlay 3402 comprises a thin material, e.g., afilm that conforms to a surface of the host device when secured thereto.The overlay 3402 may comprise an adhesively-backed sticker or filmtemporarily and removably placed over the card. In some embodiments,repositionable adhesives provided by companies such as 3M, Krylon,Franklin Adhesives and Polymers, and Bostik may be applied to theoverlay 3402 to temporarily place over the portion of the card 104including the contact pads 108. In other embodiments, the temporaryoverlay 3402 may be slid over the device, clipped onto the device, orfolded onto the device rather than adhering to the device surface. Theoverlay may be magnetic and stick to the device surface if the device ismetal.

FIG. 34A is a plan view of an embodiment of a data input device in theform of an overlay 3402 integrating a power source with a host device(e.g., smart card) disposed beneath the overlay. Features disposed onthe back, or non-exposed surface, of the overlay 3402 or featuresdisposed on the underlying host device that are covered by the overlay3402 are shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34F. The overlay3402 is configured to provide power to an electronic device 104, such asa smart card, having terminals (e.g., power connection pads) forconnecting a source of electric power to the electronic device 104, andthe overlay 3402 is configured to be removably secured to a surface ofthe electronic device 104.

In some embodiments, the overlay 3402 is not secured to the surface ofthe device 104, but is connected to the device 104 by a ribbon cable orother conductor. For example, a power source, such as that shown inFIGS. 34A-34F and 35, may be incorporated in a remote keypad device 1902shown in FIG. 19, and data transfer cable 1906 may also includeconductive contacts for connecting the power source to powertransmission pads of the host device 104.

The overlay 3402 may comprise a suitable power element 3404 to power thecard 104, such as a small cell battery LR44. In such embodiments, thepower element 3404 is securely attached to the overlay 3402 and makeselectrical contact with power element contact pad 3406. For example, oneterminal of a battery may contact the power element contact pad 3406. Asshown in FIG. 34A, the power element contact pad 3406 makes contact withpower connection trace 3410A. A corresponding conductive contact 3408 isprinted or etched onto a section of the overlay 3402 which can be foldedsuch that the conductive contact 3408 aligns with the power element3404. In some embodiments, pressure applied to the folded conductivecontact 3408 holds the conductive contact 3408 in contact with the powerelement 3404. For example, the conductive contact 3408 contacts anotherterminal of the battery. The surface of conductive contact 3408 may becoated in conductive, repositionable adhesive such that the foldedsection of overlay will stay in contact with the power element 3404without the user having to continue to hold it in place. Conductivecontact 3408 additionally makes contact with power connection trace3410B.

In some embodiments, power connection traces 3410A and 3410B are printedin conductive ink or are etched on the overlay 3402. Power connectiontrace 3410A routes the power element 3404 and power element contact pad3406 to the ground connection 3414 on contact pad 108. Power connectiontrace 3410B routes the conductive contact 3408 to the card contact powerinput on contact pads 108 on the smart card 104. Moving the conductivecontact 3408 into contact with power element 3404 (i.e., so thatconductive contact 3408 contacts one part (e.g., terminal) of the powerelement 3404 and the power element contact pad 3406 contacts anotherpart (e.g., terminal) of the power element 3404) completes a circuitfrom the conductive contact 3408, through the power element 3404, and tothe power element contact pad 3406. The overlay 3402 includes a circuitclosure configured to enable a user to selectively close a power circuitbetween the power element 3404 and the terminals of the electronicdevice to enable power transmission between the power element and theelectronic device. In some embodiments, the circuit closure includes asection of the overlay 3402 containing conductive contact 3408 folded(e.g., over a fold line 3407 shown in FIG. 34A) such that when theconductive contact 3408 makes contact with power element 3404 the powersource circuit is completed and power is supplied to the card 104. Theconductive contact 3408 may be held in contact with the power element3404 by applying pressure to the conductive contact 3408. For example,the pressure may be applied by a user's press or pinch, by a conductiveadhesive between the conductive contact 3408 and the power element 3404or by mechanical means, such as a clip or clasp.

The overlay 3402 may include data input keys 2608A-F, connection traces2616A-F coupling each data input key with an associated, spatiallydistinct portion (part of portion X 3401) of the sensing area 106 of thefingerprint sensor, and a cutout 2620 exposing a portion Y 3403 of thesensing area 106 as described above.

FIG. 34B is a view of the overlay 3402 and host device with a portion ofthe overlay folded over to complete a power circuit to the host deviceaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 34B shows the result of folding a section of the overlay 3402 toalign the conductive contact 3408 and power element 3404 to complete thepower source circuit and provide power to the card 104. In someembodiments, status indicators 308, e.g., light elements (e.g., LEDs)and/or other visual or auditory elements, may be used to signal to theuser that power is present and/or that the enrollment process may begin.

In some embodiments the overlay 3402 may be transparent or translucentsuch that one can see its various elements and their alignment withassociated elements of the smart card 104. However, this is not requiredand the overlay may not be transparent or translucent in alternativeembodiments.

FIG. 34C is a plan view illustrating a surface of overlay 3402 that isplaced in contact with the card 104 according to some embodiments. Thecard 104 and the power element 3404 are not shown in FIG. 34C. Thesurface of the overlay 3402 shown in FIG. 34C makes contact with thesurface of the card 104 and includes the power connection traces 3410A,3410B and card contacts 3412, 3414 that contact power pads (e.g., powerterminals) of the contact pads 108 when the overlay 3402 is applied tothe card 104. FIG. 34D is a plan view illustrating a card 104 placed onthe overlay 3402 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, theoverlay 3402 includes a rectangular portion having a size (e.g., lengthand width) and shape generally corresponding to the size and shape ofthe card 104, and the overlay 3402 is placed on the card 104 with threeedges defining three sides of the rectangular portion aligned with thethree corresponding edges of the card 104 to help ensure that theoverlay 3402 is properly positioned with respect to the card 104 suchthat power contacts 3412, 3414 of the overlay 3402 align with the properpads of the pads 108 of the card 104 and such that the cutout 2620properly aligns with the sensing area 106 of the card 104.

In a non-limiting exemplary implementation of the embodiment of theoverlay 3402, when the fingerprint sensor is in control mode and datainput mode, sensor elements within a portion (portion X 3401) of thesensing area 106 covered by the overlay 3402 are activated and scannedin contact sensing mode and data input keys 2608A-D are operativelycoupled to associated spatially distinct activation traces within theportion X 3401 of the sensing area 106 that is covered by part of theoverlay 3402. When the fingerprint sensor with overlay 3402 is inenrollment mode, only the sensor elements located within the portion Y3403 of the two-dimensional array of the sensing area 106 exposed bycutout 2620 may be activated and scanned in the fingerprint sensingmode, and the sensor controlling circuitry is configured so thatmultiple images of a user's fingerprint may be gathered to acquire asufficient fingerprint template that is stored in memory. Inverification or authentication mode, the overlay 3402 would typicallyhave been removed from the card 104 (or other host device in alternativeembodiments), and the sensor elements of the entire sensing area 106,including the portion X 3401 and the portion Y 3403, are scanned infingerprint sensing mode to generate a fingerprint image for comparisonagainst the fingerprint template created in enrollment mode.

FIG. 34E is a plan view of an upper surface of overlay 3402 (i.e., thesurface not in contact with the smart card) according to someembodiments. The user may make contact with the surface shown in FIG.34E when the overlay 3402 is applied to the card 104.

In some embodiments of the overlay 3402, the power element may be a USBsocket. In such embodiments, the USB socket may be connected to thepower and ground inputs of the contact pads 108 via power connectiontraces 3410A and 3410B. The circuit closure may be established byinserting a USB cable into the socket and connecting the overlay 3402 tothe mains.

In some embodiments of the overlay 3402, the power element may be asolar cell with a pull tab cover. In such embodiments, the solar cellmay be connected to the power and ground inputs of the contact pads 108via power connection traces 3410A and 3410B. The circuit closure may beestablished by removing the pull tab covering the solar cell, thusexposing it to light.

In some embodiments of the overlay 3402, the power element may be an NFCtransceiver, mounted on the overlay 3402. In such embodiments, the NFCtransceiver may be connected to the power and ground inputs of thecontact pads 108 via power connection traces 3410A and 3410B and is ableto harvest power from a NFC-enabled device such as a mobile phone orcard reader. The circuit closure may be established by placing the card104 within range of the NFC-enabled device and keeping it in range untilthe desired process completes.

As shown in FIGS. 34A and 34C, the overlay 3402 may further comprise aportion 2612 covering the portion X 3401 of the sensing area 106 of thefingerprint sensor installed on the smart card 104, and a cut-out 2620in the overlay 3402 to expose the remaining portion Y 3403 of thesensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor. The overlay 3402 includesdata input keys 2608A-F associated with (e.g., coupled to) spatiallydistinct sensing areas on the portion X 3401 of the sensing area 106 ofthe fingerprint sensor by connection traces 2616A-F. The data input keys2608A-F may be remotely located from the sensing area 106.

In some embodiments, as described above, each data input key 2608A-F mayfunction to enable the user to enter numbers (e.g., an activation code,such as a PIN code) by touching a data input key 2608A-F with a finger.Each data input key 2608A-F of the overlay 3402 is electrically coupledto an associated spatially distinct portion of the portion X 3401 of thesensing area 106 such that contact with each key will result in adetectable signal from the sensor element(s) of the associated spatiallydistinct portion of the sensing area 106. The coupling between the keys2608A-F and the sensing area 106 allows the keys 2608A-F to be remotelylocated from the sensing area 106. This provides the significantadvantage of positioning keys 2608A-F in locations not restricted by theboundaries of the sensing area 106. For example, extra space on thesmart card 104 may be used to provide additional keys (e.g., more thanfour keys) or the keys 2608A-F can be spaced further apart, which mayimprove access for the user. The overlay 3402 may comprise one datainput key electrically coupled to an associated spatially distinctportion of the sensing area 106 configured to receive a Morse code-typedata input by the user.

The overlay 3402 may comprise a portion that covers the fingerprintsensor installed on the smart card 104, but additionally including datainput keys associated with (e.g., coupled to) spatially distinct sensingareas on the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor where the datainput keys are located on the sensing area 106, as shown in FIG. 3B, orwhere the data input keys are remotely located from the sensing area 106as shown in FIG. 13. In both of these scenarios, the portion of theoverlay 3402 covering the fingerprint sensor may be separable from thesection of the overlay 3402 comprising the power source connected to thepower inputs of the smart card 104. For example, the overlay 3402 may bein two parts, or is perforated, or the overlay has two layers—one on topof the other—where the section containing the data input keys isuppermost. Thus, after the user has entered data using the data inputkeys, the fingerprint sensor can be revealed to complete the enrollment,without disrupting the power supply to the card 104. When enrollment iscomplete, the remaining portion of the overlay 3402 may be removed.

In some embodiments, an overlay 3402F, as shown in FIG. 34F, does notcover the sensing area 106 or fingerprint sensor 102 of the host device104. Rather, the overlay 3402F simply covers the portion of the card 104including the contact pads 108. The overlay 3402F may comprise a powerelement 3404 disposed on a power element contact pad 3406, a conductivecontact 3408, a power connection trace 3410A connecting the powerelement contact pad 3406 to card contact ground 3414, which is connectedto a power contact pad of the contact pads 108, and power connectiontrace 3410B connecting the conductive contact 3408 to card contact powerinput 3412, which is connected to another power contact pad of thecontact pads 108. In some embodiments, the overlay 3402F is strictly apower source for a smart card 104 or other device and does not includedata input functionality. The overlay 3402F may be used in combinationwith data input devices, such as those shown in FIGS. 3B, 13, and26A-26C and discussed herein.

The data input device in the form of an overlay 3402 may comprise apierced hole 2606 over the LED 308 or other indicator element on thecard 104 when the overlay 3402 is placed over a portion of the card 104including the sensing area 106 and the LED 308. In other embodiments, anOLED display may operate as the fingerprint sensor. In such embodiments,a portion of the OLED display that is included in portion Y 3403 of thesensing area 106 may be configured to be used as the indicator elementand hence a status indication is visible through the cut-out 2620 in theoverlay 3402.

The overlay 3402 may comprise one or more LEDs or other statusindicators (e.g., visual, audible, tactile indicators) used to indicatethe status to the user during enrollment in a situation where there areno status indicators on the smart card itself, where status indicatorson the smart card are not suitable, or to supplement the statusindicators on the smart card. In such embodiments, a component on thesmart card 104, such as the fingerprint sensor, the secure elementmodule, or other processing circuitry, monitors the state of theenrollment process and modulates a power line in the card 104 in a knownmanner, depending on the state of the enrollment process. The overlay3402 may further comprise a detector circuit configured to detect thepower line modulation and activate the one or more LEDs accordingly toindicate the correct state of the enrollment process.

FIG. 35 illustrates an embodiment of a power source overlay (alsoreferred to as a non-data-transmitting power source) 3502 according tosome embodiments. As shown in FIG. 35, the power source overlay 3502comprises a power element 3504 for the fingerprint sensor 102 installedon a device 104. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 35, a smartcard is the device containing the fingerprint sensor, but theapplication of the power source overlay 3502 is not restricted to asmart card and can be used for any device that contains a fingerprintsensor in alternative embodiments. The card 104 comprises thefingerprint sensor 102 with a sensing area 106, LEDs or other statusindicators 308, and contact pads 108 providing contacts for an externalpower source.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the overlay 3502 is anadhesively-backed sticker or film which may be temporarily and removablyplaced over the card 104. In an embodiment, repositionable adhesivesprovided by companies such as 3M, Krylon, Franklin Adhesives andPolymers, and Bostik may be applied to the overlay 3502 to temporarilyplace over the portion of the card 104 including the contact pads 108.In some embodiments, the temporary overlay 3502 may be slid over thedevice 104, clipped onto the device 104, or folded onto the device 104rather than being adhered to the device surface. The temporary overlaymay be magnetic and stick to the device surface if the device is metal.

In some embodiments, the overlay 3502 comprises a suitable power element3504 to power the card 104, such as a small cell battery LR44. Thebottom of the power element 3504 is securely attached to the overlay3502 and makes contact with power connection trace 3510B. In someembodiments, one end of a conductive spring clip 3508 contacts the topof the power element 3504 and the other end of the conductive springclip 3508 connects to power connection trace 3510A.

In some embodiments, power connection traces 3510A and 3510B are printedin conductive ink or are etched on the overlay 3502. The powerconnection trace 3510A electrically connects the power element 3504 viathe conductive spring clip 3508 to ground connections 3414 on contactpads 108. The power connection trace 3510B electrically connects thepower element 3504 to the card contact power input 3412 on contact pads108 on the smart card 104. The circuit closure includes a pull tab 3506made of non-conducting material temporarily placed between the powerelement 3504 and the conductive spring clip 3508 to break the powercircuit. When the user removes the pull tab 3506 out of the spring clip3508, the power source circuit is completed and power is supplied to thecard 104. In some embodiments, status indicators 308 may be used tosignal to the user that power is present and/or that the enrollmentprocess may begin.

The overlay 3502 may be coated with conductive material. In suchembodiments, power connection traces 3510A, 3510B are absent. Instead,the overlay 3502 may be shaped such that that the overlay 3502 coupleswith the ground connections 3414 on contact pads 108 and with the cardcontact power input 3412 on contact pads 108 on the smart card 104 andthe terminals of the power element do not conductively couple with anyother part of contact pad 108.

The overlay 3502 may be part of data input device extending over thefingerprint sensor 102. Data input keys and associated key traces may beprinted and/or etched on the overlay 3502 and coupled to the sensingarea 102 in a similar manner as was described for FIG. 34A-E to allowthe user to input data. In other embodiments, the overlay 3502 maycomprise a portion that covers the fingerprint sensor 102 installed onthe smart card 104, and further comprise data input keys associated with(e.g., coupled to) the spatially distinct sensing areas on the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor where the data input keys are locatedon the sensing area, as shown in as shown in FIG. 3B, or where the datainput keys are remotely located from the sensing area 106 as shown inFIG. 13. In both of these scenarios, the portion of the overlay 3502covering the fingerprint sensor 102 may be separable from the section ofthe overlay containing the power source connected to the power inputs ofthe smart card. For example, the overlay 3502 may be in two parts, or isperforated, or the overlay has two layers—one on top of the other—wherethe section containing the data input keys is uppermost. Thus, after theuser has entered data using the data input keys, the fingerprint sensor102 can be revealed to complete the enrollment, without disrupting thepower supply to the card 104. When enrollment is complete, the remainingportion of the overlay 3502 can be removed.

The overlay 3502 may comprise one or more LEDs or other statusindicators (e.g., visual, audible, tactile indicators) used to indicatethe status to the user during enrollment in a situation where there areno status indicators on the smart card itself, where status indicatorson the smart card are not suitable, or to supplement the statusindicators on the smart card. In such embodiments, a component on thesmart card 104, such as the fingerprint sensor, secure element module,or other processing circuitry, monitors the state of the enrollmentprocess and modulates a power line in the card 104 in a known manner,depending on the state of the enrollment process. The overlay 3502 mayfurther comprise a detector circuit configured to detect the power linemodulation and activate the one or more LEDs accordingly to indicate thecorrect state of the enrollment process.

In an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 34A-34F and FIG. 35, the circuitclosure may comprise a switch or button instead of the folding overlaysection of FIGS. 34A-34F or the pull tab of FIG. 35, thus enabling theuser to complete the power circuit by applying the switch or button.

In an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 34A-34F and FIG. 35, the overlay3402, 3502 makes contact with data input and output contacts on the cardcontact pad 108 in addition to the power input and ground contacts. Thismay enable the overlay 3402, 3502 to provide communication channels toand from elements on the card 104, such as the secure element module orthe biometric sensor. A wireless transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi,NFC) mounted to the overlay 3402, 3502 and connected to the datainput/outputs of the card contact pads 108 may permit elements in thecard 104 to wirelessly connect to other devices such as a mobile phone,lap top, ATM, card reader, or PC. The overlay 3402, 3502 may harvestpower from the wireless signal to power the card 104 in addition tousing the wireless connection to provide a communication channel. Insuch embodiments, the overlay 3402, 3502 capable of harvesting power maytemporarily convert a contact card into a contactless card.

A cable socket (e.g., USB) mounted to the overlay 3402, 3502 andconnected to the data inputs/outputs of the card contact pads 108 maypermit elements in the card 104 to connect via a cable to other devicessuch as a mobile phone, lap top, ATM, card reader, or PC. The overlay3402, 3502 may also receive power from the cable to power the card inaddition to using the cable connection to provide a communicationchannel.

The overlay 3402, 3502 may make contact with the data input and outputcontacts on the card contact pad 108 in addition to the power input andground contacts. In such embodiments, the overlay 3402, 3502 may providestatus indications to the user regarding elements on the card 104, suchas the secure element module, the biometric sensor, and external devicesconnected to the card 104. For example, LEDs, buzzers, or a small LCDscreen mounted on the overlay 3402, 3502 and connected to the datainput/outputs of the card contact pad 108 may indicate commands,responses, status information, data or instructions to the user.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a simple, costeffective method 3600 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, requiring entry ofactivation data (i.e., an activation code) prior to enrolling thefingerprint template.

In step 3602, a data input device, such as the overlay described inFIGS. 34A-34E, is temporarily connected to a biometric-enabled device,such as a fingerprint-enabled smart card. A unique code, such as anactivation code, may be stored in a secure memory of the smart card andencrypted in a secure location during the manufacturing process of thesmart card. The fingerprint sensor on the smart card may be calibratedduring the manufacturing process and set to data-input mode before thesmart card is sent to the user.

In step 3604, the card provider provides the smart card and the datainput device with integral power source to the user. For example, thecard provider may provide the smart card and the data input device withintegral power source to the user by mail, courier or directly at a bankor a retail outlet. The card and data input device may be packaged suchthat the power circuit cannot be completed accidentally during transit.

In step 3606, the user follows instructions to obtain an activation codefrom the card provider. In some embodiments, the instructions to obtainthe activation code may be received with the card. For example, the usermay be asked to call a number, the data input device might have a QR®code that the user can scan with a smart phone or the user may log-in totheir on-line banking site or mobile application and indicate the userwishes to receive an activation code by SMS. Other secure mechanisms toobtain the activation code may be available in alternative embodiments.A six digit activation code may provide the user with an appropriatesecurity level. The security level may be increased or decreased byvarying the number of required digits, depending on the card provider'srequirements.

In step 3608, the user connects the smart card to the power source bycompleting the power circuit. For example, the power circuit may becompleted by folding a section of the data input device to makeconductive contact pads meet or by removing a pull tab separating thepower source from the smart card. Accordingly, the card receives powerfrom the power source, and a status indicator on the smart card (e.g.,an LED) may indicate to the user that the smart card is ready.

In step 3610, the user enters the activation code by sequentiallytouching the data input keys of the data input device in a sequencecorresponding to the activation code. In some embodiments, the statusindicator may indicate to the user that the entered code is correct orincorrect. As described herein, if the entered code is incorrect, theuser may make a pre-determined number of additional attempts before thesmart card locks the user out permanently. For example, the user may getthree attempts to correctly enter the code. In some embodiments, if thenumber of unsuccessful attempts reaches the limit or the activation codeis not entered before a pre-set time has passed, the smart card locksthe user out.

In step 3612, if the activation code has been entered correctly, theuser can now start to enroll a fingerprint (enrollment mode) withoutremoving the data input device from the card. The smart card must remainconnected to the power source throughout the enrollment process. Thestatus indicator may make an indication to the user when an image isacceptable, e.g., by an LED illuminating for a few seconds, and mayindicate when an image is not acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashingseveral times. The status indicator may indicate to the user whensufficient acceptable images have been gathered for a fingerprinttemplate, e.g., by the LED illuminating for longer period, such as 10 ormore seconds. A flexible display such as an OLED panel may be used toprovide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

The user may trigger the enrollment mode by correctly entering theactivation code and not complete the enrollment. That is, thefingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode, but the user does notprovide any input to the fingerprint sensor for the purpose of gatheringsufficient acceptable images for a fingerprint template. In suchembodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a power saving sleep mode,also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoid draining the powersource. For example, once the fingerprint sensor enters the enrollmentmode and does not receive any input from the user for a predeterminedperiod of time, the fingerprint sensor enters the power saving sleepmode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resume the enrollmentprocess. In some embodiments, any acceptable images captured before thefingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleep mode are saved so thatthe enrollment process continues where the user had left off. In someembodiments, smart card components, such as the secure element module,may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprint sensor enters the powersaving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart card components may wake up whenthe fingerprint sensor wakes up from the power saving sleep mode andresumes the enrollment process.

In step 3614, the user removes the data input device from the smartcard, and the data template may be discarded. The user may, optionally,also remove the data input device after successful enrollment, possiblyafter additional data input.

Accordingly, the user has now successfully enrolled a fingerprint in thesmart card through the simple, cost effective method 3600 and can usethe smart card in the normal way to pay for items, but now requiringfingerprint verification in order to use the smart card. In someembodiments, multiple users may enroll a fingerprint on the smart card,or a user may enroll multiple fingers on the smart card, using the abovenoted method 3600. In such embodiments, the card may be programmed withmultiple activation codes that are provided to each user. For eachmethod 3600, a new activation code is required and entered to enroll anew user/finger, which is made convenient by the fact that the datainput overlay was not removed during enrollment of the previousfingerprint.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a simple, costeffective method 3700 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card, without requiring entry ofactivation data (i.e., an activation code) prior to enrolling thefingerprint template.

In step 3702, a fingerprint-enabled smart card is manufactured. A datainput device, such as the overlay described in FIGS. 34A-34E, may betemporarily connected to the smart card. The card provider mayoptionally set the status of the smart card as inactive to preventunauthorized use before the intended user can enroll a fingerprinttemplate and contact the card provider to activate the card.

In step 3704, the card provider provides the smart card and the datainput device with integral power source to the user. For example, thecard provider may provide the smart card and the data input device withintegral power source to the user by mail, courier or directly at a bankor a retail outlet. The card and data input device may be packaged suchthat the power circuit cannot be completed accidentally during transit.

In step 3706, the user connects the smart card to the power source bycompleting the power circuit. For example, the power circuit may becompleted by folding the data input device such that conductive contactpads align or by removing a pull tab separating the power source fromthe smart card. Accordingly, connecting the smart card to the powersource does nothing but provide power to the electrical components ofthe smart card—e.g., LED, logic elements, sensor elements, etc. —and thepower source is unable to transmit data to or from the smart card.

In step 3708 one or more trigger events are detected that results in thefingerprint sensor being put into enrollment mode. An example triggerevent may be based on the non-expiration of a timer or a counter. Forexample, the trigger event may be detecting that the timer or counterhas not expired. In such embodiments, a user can enroll a biometrictemplate within a certain time after the fingerprint sensor is put intoenrollment mode. In other embodiments, the trigger event may bedetecting that the age of the smart card is under a certain age limitwhich is tracked, for example, by the timer or the counter. The countermay be incremented each time a biometric template has been successfullyenrolled or whenever the smart card was used. In such embodiments, thetrigger event may be detecting that the counter has not exceeded apredetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined number of biometrictemplate enrollments or card uses).

Another example trigger event may include an occurrence of an errorstate. A software or hardware component error may occur during theenrollment. An error recovery procedure initiated in response to suchsoftware or hardware component error may be the trigger event. In suchembodiments, the software or hardware component error would have to be arecoverable error (e.g., a minor error, a transient event or a glitch).Thus, detection of a recoverable error that precluded completion of theenrollment process would cause the sensor to enter enrollment mode. Insuch embodiments, a non-recoverable error occurring during theenrollment (e.g., a component on the card fails) would not initiate orconstitute a trigger event.

Other example trigger events include detection of a flag set last timethe card was inserted in a card reader (for example a flag set when thecard is inserted into a card reader that transmits data to or from thecard and instructing the card to enter enrollment mode the next time thecard is connected to power), detection of a lack of an enrolledfingerprint template on the card, or detection that power has beenprovided to the card. Some further trigger event examples may includedetection that the card has been inserted into a power source that hasconnection to only power contacts on the card and no data transmissioncontacts. In some embodiments, other events or a combination of suchevents may comprise trigger events. The trigger event may be detected bythe fingerprint sensor, by another component on the card (e.g., thesecure element module) or the trigger event may be detected as a resultof the fingerprint sensor and another component on the card interacting,e.g., a handshake. In some embodiments, if a component other than thefingerprint sensor detects the trigger event, the component may signalthe fingerprint sensor to enter enrollment mode.

The enrollment mode may be triggered, but the user may not complete theenrollment. That is, the fingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode,but the user does not provide any input to the fingerprint sensor forthe purpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

The card remains in enrollment mode until disconnected from the powersource or until the enrollment is complete. If the card is disconnectedfrom the power source before enrollment is complete, the process maymove back to step 3706, in which an appropriate trigger event may resultin the fingerprint sensor being put back into enrollment mode. In someembodiments, the user may be required to take some action, such as, forexample, contact the card provider or obtain a new card. In suchembodiments, the user may enable the new card to be put into enrollmentmode.

In some embodiments, the card receives power from the power source, anda status indicator on the smart card (e.g., an LED) may indicate to theuser that the one or more power transmission contacts of the powersource are connected to the power source (i.e., the card is powered),that the fingerprint sensor is in enrollment mode, and that the smartcard is ready for enrollment to start.

In step 3710, the user can now start to enroll a fingerprint. Thefingerprint may be enrolled by storing a fingerprint template derivedfrom one or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor. The smart card must remain connected to the powersource throughout the enrollment process. In some embodiments, however,the smart card may be disconnected from the power source during theenrollment process. In such embodiments, the enrollment mode in thefingerprint sensor is automatically deactivated. In some embodiments,reconnecting the smart card to the power source moves the process backto step 3706, in which an appropriate trigger event will result in thefingerprint sensor being put back into enrollment mode. The enrollmentprocess is complete when a sufficient fingerprint template is acquiredand stored in the fingerprint sensor (e.g., as described in previouslyincorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,813). Once the enrollment process iscomplete, enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor is disabledpermanently. In some embodiments, once the enrollment process iscomplete, enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor is disabled until afresh trigger event occurs. The status indicator may provide anindication to the user when an image is acceptable, e.g., by an LEDilluminating for a few seconds, and may indicate when an image is notacceptable, e.g., by the LED flashing several times. The statusindicator may indicate to the user when sufficient acceptable imageshave been gathered for the fingerprint template and confirm that theenrolling step is successfully complete, e.g., by the LED illuminatingfor longer period, such as 10 or more seconds. In other embodiments,more than one LED may flash different colors to communicate the variousindications described herein. A flexible display such as an OLED panelmay be used to provide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

In step 3712, the user removes the data input device from the smartcard, and the data input device may be discarded. The user may removethe data input device after successful enrollment, possibly afteradditional data input.

The card provider may set the status of the card as inactive at step3702. In such embodiments, the user must activate the card beforeattempting to use it in step 3714, in which the user contacts the cardprovider (e.g., by phone, app, internet, etc.) to activate the smartcard. In some embodiments, the user must provide acceptable userverification details to the card provider in order to activate the smartcard. If the user is verified, the card provider sets the card status asactive in their systems. The user is now able to use the card in thenormal way to pay for items, but now requiring fingerprint verificationin order to use the smart card. If the user is not verified, the cardremains inactive and cannot be used.

A device including an overlay providing only a power source, such as theoverlay 3402F described in FIG. 34F and the overlay 3502 described inFIG. 35 may be enrolled by other methods not requiring data input by theuser, such as method 2300 shown in FIG. 23A or method 2314 shown in FIG.23B.

In an example of an overlay described herein, the overlay provides powerto the smart card to which the overlay is applied, data or signalsindicative of the enrollment status of the smart card biometric sensorare provided to the overlay by the smart card or are detected in thesmart card by detection circuitry in the overlay, no data is transmittedfrom the overlay to an external device, and status indicators—such asLED lights—on the overlay (and, optionally, on the smart card as well)are activated to indicate the enrollment status. The enrollment statusindicated may include one or more of the following: the smart cardbiometric sensor is (or is not) in an enrollment mode, the user shouldprovide a biometric image (e.g., place a finger on the a fingerprintsensor), a biometric image provided by the user is (or is not) accepted,the biometric enrollment template is (or is not) complete, theenrollment mode is terminated. The overlay may only provide power to thesmart card, or the overlay may also include one or more data input keysfor inputting data from the overlay to the smart card. The overlay mayoptionally include a finger guide as described herein attached to theoverlay and may optionally include status indicators associated withfinger guide channels as described herein for guiding or instructing auser with respect to placement of a finger on a finger guide channel.The overlay may optionally include status indicators adjacent to afingerprint sensor of a smart card to which the overlay is applied forguiding or instructing a user with respect to placement of a finger onthe sensor, and the finger guide channels may be omitted.

In another example of an overlay described herein, the overlay providespower to the smart card to which the overlay is applied, no data orsignals are provided to the overlay by the smart card, no data istransmitted from the overlay to an external device, and statusindicators—such as LED lights—on the smart card are activated toindicate the enrollment status of the smart card biometric sensor. Theenrollment status indicated may include one or more of the following:the smart card biometric sensor is (or is not) in an enrollment mode,the user should provide a biometric image (e.g., place a finger on the afingerprint sensor), a biometric image provided by the user is (or isnot) accepted, the biometric enrollment template is (or is not)complete, the enrollment mode is terminated. The overlay may onlyprovide power to the smart card, or the overlay may also include one ormore data input keys for inputting data from the overlay to the smartcard. The overlay may optionally include a finger guide as describedherein attached to the overlay and may optionally include statusindicators associated with finger guide channels as described herein forguiding or instructing a user with respect to placement of a finger on afinger guide channel. The overlay may optionally include statusindicators adjacent to a fingerprint sensor of a smart card to which theoverlay is applied for guiding or instructing a user with respect toplacement of a finger on the sensor, and the finger guide channels maybe omitted.

As stated above, it is preferable that the fingerprint template is ofsufficient quality, otherwise the user may experience a high rate offalse rejections or false acceptances. This can be a particular problemwhen the user is unfamiliar with the goal of the enrollment stage, whichis to capture multiple broad, good quality images of as much of the padof the finger as possible. If the user does not know that the user needsto get images taken of all of the user's finger pad, including the sidesand the tip as well as the central portion of the pad, the user may beinclined to repeatedly present the same portion of their finger duringenrollment, thus restricting the coverage of the fingerprint templateand increasing the chances of getting a false rejection.

It has been observed that the pressure and angle that a user presentstheir fingerprint during enrollment is different to how they presenttheir finger in daily use of their device. For example, one might enrolla thumb on a smart card by repeatedly touching the fingerprint sensorwhen the smart card is lying flat. This is likely to result in afingerprint template of the central pad of the thumb being captured.However, when the smart card is actually being used, the user is likelyto either hold the card in a pincer grip to either insert it into thebase of a Point of Sale (PoS) device in the case of a contact smartcard, or to hold the card over the PoS until the transaction isregistered in the case of a contactless smart card. In such contact andcontactless use cases, the tip of the thumb print is typicallycontacting the sensor when the smart card is in use. That is, a part ofthe thumb, for example the tip of the thumb, is likely to have beenmissed from the fingerprint template during an enrollment carried out ona card which was lying flat throughout the enrollment process.

The problems above concern difficulties that occur during the enrollmentprocess on a limited device. A further complication for ainput/feedback-limited device is that once the enrollment process iscomplete, if the user begins to use their device and then finds theirfingerprint is not being recognized reliably, the user may not have amechanism by which they can re-enroll their finger to create a betterfingerprint template and thereby improve their user experience.Re-enrollment on a limited device may be deliberately prohibited forsecurity reasons, for example, the device manufacturer may not want tocreate a “back door” by allowing the fingerprint template to be changedby an unauthorized user, or it may simply not be practical for the userto interact with the device in order to put it back into an “enroll”mode and hence re-enroll their finger. In such situations, it becomescritical to the user experience that their finger is enrolled properlythe first time because there are no second chances to change thefingerprint template. A smart card is a good example of aninput/feedback-limited device where a user would be unlikely to get theopportunity to re-enroll their finger should the first fingerprinttemplate not be adequate.

In some devices, such as laptop computers or door entry systems,fingerprint sensors may be surrounded by shaped finger guides, such as abeveled peripheral edges, to force the user to place their finger on thesensor in an optimal way. These guides are permanent features of thedevice. That is, the guides are present when the user enrolls theirfinger and remain in place when the user is actively using their device.Such guides are designed firstly to ensure that the most useful part ofthe finger is enrolled for user verification (i.e., the center of thefinger pad) and secondly, to increase the chances that the same part ofthe finger that was initially enrolled will be placed on the sensorduring everyday use. An example is described in European PatentApplication No. EP 1812890, entitled “Finger Guide Device,” the discloseof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For many deviceshowever, it is impractical to change the form factor in order to havepermanent finger guides in place, or it is undesirable in relation todesign aesthetics to have such permanent finger guides. For example, itwould be unacceptable for a smart card to have a permanent finger guidein place since the card would no longer fit in standard ATM machines,purses or wallets.

Another existing solution to the above noted problem is to guide theuser to present different parts of their finger during enrollment usinga graphic on a user interface on the device. Such a solution isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,715,616, entitled “Fingerprint Sensing andEnrollment,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety. In some embodiments, the graphic on the user interface shows arepresentation of a fingerprint which gets gradually shaded in as imagesof the left, right, top, bottom, etc. of the fingerprint are captured,thus encouraging the user to present different parts of their fingerduring the enrollment process. This solution, however, is limiting inthe sense that it is difficult to convey to the user how a capturedimage of a fingerprint relates to any particular part of their fingerwhen the device that contains a fingerprint sensor has no, or a limited,user interface.

Another existing solution is to employ dynamic enrollment. Morespecifically, a method in which a fingerprint template is gathered andadapted over time to take account of changes of the way a finger ispresented in daily use. That is, the fingerprint template may activelyevolve because new captured images are added to it through daily use. Anexample of a dynamic enrollment method is presented in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US2014/0003681, entitled “Zero Enrollment,”the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.However, dynamic enrollment may be prohibited for certain devicescontaining fingerprint sensors due to security concerns that anunauthorized user could successfully enroll their finger by repeatedlypresenting their finger such that the fingerprint template evolves tothe point where their finger will be accepted.

As explained herein, another existing solution for enrolling afingerprint on a input/feedback-limited device requires the user tovisit a secure location, such as a bank, at which the user will performthe enrollment procedure. Such a solution, however, includes variousdisadvantages particularly related to the inconvenience to the user andpossible security breaches as already discussed herein.

Rather than have a user attend a secure location, alternative solutionshave been proposed to enroll a finger on an input/feedback-limiteddevice containing a fingerprint sensor. However, such alternativesolutions require the device containing the fingerprint sensor to beconnected to a second connected device, for example, a smartphone orcomputer terminal, such that instructions and feedback may be given tothe user during enrollment via a user interface of the second connecteddevice. This method is far from ideal because not only does it requirethe user to have ready access to a second device, but also because itrequires the device manufacturer and the fingerprint sensor manufacturerto be able to communicate through a myriad of secondary devices. Thismethod also presents significant security concerns because the user isenrolling their fingerprint on a device which is actively connected to asecond connected device which may be connected to other networks.

The embodiments described herein provide systems, devices and methods ofenrolling a fingerprint on a device with limited to no user interfacesor status indicators which can be carried out by the user in their ownhome, without the need to visit a secure location to carry outenrollment and without requiring the user to connect their card toanother connected device such as a smart phone. Complementary systems,devices and methods to those described herein improve the quality andcoverage of the enrolled fingerprint template, thus enhancing thesecurity and improving the accuracy of fingerprint matching for thelimited device.

Such complementary systems, devices and methods include a guide forplacement of the finger (where the definition of finger includes athumb) on a fingerprint sensor during enrollment of the finger. Theguide is shaped to increase the likelihood that images of many diverseportions of the fingerprint are obtained when enrolling using afingerprint sensor with a small area compared to the area of the pad ofa typical finger or thumb, in particular capturing images from thelongitudinal segment of the fingerprint running from fingertip toknuckle that is richest in fingerprint minutiae, leading to a morecomplete enrolled fingerprint template (or set of fingerprint templates)and therefore more reliable user verification. In some embodiments, theguide is removably attached to the surface of the device in operativeproximity to the sensor and is removed after enrollment is complete. Theguide is typically not used during regular operation (e.g., userverification) with the fingerprint sensor.

FIGS. 38-40 show an example of a removable finger guide. In variousembodiments, the guide 3802 comprises a base plate 3804 which conformsto the surface of the host device 104 containing the fingerprint sensor102. In FIGS. 38-40 the host device 104 shown is a flat smart card,hence the base plate 3804 is flat, however, for example, if the surfaceof the host device was curved (e.g., a control lever in a car), then thebase plate 3804 could be shaped appropriately to make a snug fit withthe surface of the device 104 surrounding the fingerprint sensor 102.The finger guide 3802 may be made of any suitable material, such asmolded plastic. The base plate 3804 is removably attached to thesurface, for example, held in place with repositionable adhesives suchas those provided by companies such as 3M, Krylon, Franklin Adhesivesand Polymers, and Bostik. In some embodiments, the finger guide 3802 maybe slid over the host device 104, clipped onto the host device 104, orfolded onto the host device 104 rather than adhering to the device 104surface. If the host device 104 is metal or includes metal components,the finger guide 3802 may be magnetic and thus stick to the device 104surface. The base plate 3804 may extend over the edges of the hostdevice 104. As shown in FIG. 38, the base plate 3804 comprises a cut out3810 to reveal the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor 102 whenthe finger guide 9802 is placed in operative proximity to thefingerprint sensor 102.

The finger guide 3802 further comprises one or more finger guidechannels (also referred to herein simply as “channel” or “channels”)used to capture diverse images of the user's finger pad. In FIG. 38, thefinger guide 3802 has three channels: channel A 3806A, channel B 3806B,and channel C 3806C. With the finger guide 3802 secured (e.g.,temporarily) to the host device 104 in operative proximity to thefingerprint sensor 102, each of the channels 3806A-C is configured toposition a finger placed thereon in a unique orientation with respect tothe fingerprint sensor 102. The finger guide channels 3806A-C may beconfigured with curved walls and have a width corresponding to a typicalfinger width.

In some embodiments, the base plate 3804 has a raised section 3808,parallel to one side of the sensing area 106, on which channel C 3806Cis formed as shown in FIG. 38. The raised section 3808 is used to tipthe user's finger up to orient the user's fingertip to touch the sensorrather than the center of the finger pad. The raised section 3808 may bea ramp with the lowest point of the ramp situated at one edge of thefingerprint sensor 102. The raised section 3808 may be ergonomicallyshaped to encourage the user to rest their finger in it. A front stop3812 may be present on the opposite side of the sensor to the raisedsection 3808 to stop the user's fingertip from sliding off the sensor.

FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the finger guide 3802. As shown in FIG.39, the channels 3806A-C may be indicated by markings 3902 (e.g., arrowsor lines) on the base plate 3804. For example, the base plate 3804 maybe marked with indicia, such as lines, curves, arrows, etc., to indicatehow far the finger should be inserted into each channel 3806A-C suchthat the finger pad touches the fingerprint sensor sensing area anddoesn't extend too far or fall too short. In some embodiments, thechannels 3806A-C may be ergonomically shaped. In some embodiments, thechannels 3806A-C may have side walls to guide the finger into eachchannel 3806A-C.

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the finger guide with directionalfinger placement arrows superimposed thereon according to someembodiments. In FIG. 40, three channels are shown, indicated by channelsA 3806A, B 3806B, and C 3806C. Arrows A and B in FIG. 40 show thedirection of a finger approaching the sensing area 106 via channels A3806A and B 3806B, respectively. Arrow C in FIG. 40 shows the directionof a finger approaching the sensing area 106 via the raised section3808, i.e., channel C 3806C.

FIG. 41 shows a top perspective view of a finger guide 4102 according tosome embodiments. As shown in FIG. 41, the finger guide 4102 is T-shapedwhile comprising the same essential features as the finger guide 3802described in FIGS. 38-40. For example, the finger guide 4102 comprises abase plate 3804, channels A 3806A, B 3806B, and 3806C, a front stop3812, a raised section 3808, and a cut-out 3810 to expose the sensingarea 106 of the fingerprint sensor.

The channels 3806A-C of the finger guide 3802, 4102 may be the width ofa human finger. In some embodiments, different sized finger guides 3802,4102 could be made available to suit a range of fingers, e.g., small,medium or large, rather than one size to fit all. The cut out 3810 needsto fit around the sensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor, typicallya square of 8×8 mm, 9×9 mm or 9.5×9.5 mm, however other sensor size orshapes may be catered for.

The finger guide 3802, 4102 may be decorated with indicia. For example,pictures of fingers, or finger images may be inscribed on the fingerguide 3802, 4102 surface so that it is clear to a user where to puttheir fingers.

A method of enrollment that makes use of a temporary, inexpensive,“off-grid” power source is described herein. Specific examples includethe card holder/power source 920 shown in FIGS. 9E-9G. In someembodiments, the finger guide 3802, 4102 described in FIGS. 38-41 may beplaced over the sensor at the same time as the device is provided withpower using the power sources described herein.

An alternative implementation of the temporary power source may includean integrated finger guide, such as is shown in FIGS. 42-45. In theillustrated embodiment, a power source/finger print guide 4200 includesa card holder frame 4202 defining card guide rails, including a firstlongitudinal slot 4204, a second longitudinal slot 4206, and a lateralslot 4208 into which a smart card 104 (shown in phantom lines in FIGS.44, 45) may be inserted. A battery 4220 (shown only in FIGS. 44, 45) maybe carried in a suitable battery holder mounted to the card holder frame4202 and connected by appropriate conductive elements to powertransmission contacts of the card 104 as described above. The powersource may be powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector) or solarpowered. In other embodiments, if the smart card 104 contains anon-board power source, such as a solar cell, an external power source isnot required.

A finger guide 4201 may be attached to or integrally formed with thecard holder frame 4202. The finger guide 4201 may include a portion ofthe card holder frame 4202 forming a base plate 4222 of the finger guide(i.e., the portion of the finger guide having a surface that contactsthe surface of the card), an A-channel wing 4210, a B-channel wing 4212,a C-channel wing (or raised section) 4214, a front stop 4218, and a cutout 4216 through which a sensing portion 106 of the inserted card 104 isexposed. In this context the “wing” may comprise a panel disposed on andextending beyond the base plate 4222.

In some embodiments, the power source with integrated finger guide is asimple rectangular sleeve. For example, the connector housing 904 of thepower source 902 shown in FIG. 9A could be extended to cover more of thecard, including the sensor, and a finger guide could be mounted on topof the housing and a cut out provided in the housing to expose thesensor.

The finger guide channels 4210, 4212, and 4214 may include indicia—suchas letters “A,” “B,” and “C” to uniquely identify each channel, as shownin FIGS. 43 and 45.

In a similar way, the temporary power source shown in FIGS. 34A-34C anddescribed above may be modified to include an integrated finger guideaccording to some embodiments. For example, a finger guide, such asthose shown in FIGS. 38-41 made from a molded plastic may be secured tothe overlay 3402 with the finger guide cutout 3810 aligned with cutout2620 of the overlay 3402.

A finger guide, such as those shown in FIGS. 38-41, may also beincorporated into a data input device having a cutout exposing a part ofthe fingerprint sensor, such as those shown in FIGS. 21A-21D, 26A-26C,28, and 34A-34F.

An alternative implementation of an integrated temporary power sourceand finger guide is shown in FIGS. 46A-46B. In the illustratedembodiment, a power source/finger print guide 4600 includes a cardholder frame 4602 defining card guide rails, including a card housingslot 4604 and a longitudinal slot 4606 into which a smart card 104(shown in phantom lines in FIG. 46A) may be inserted. A panel 4608 maybe secured to or an integral top part of the card holder frame 4602. Thepanel 4608 may extend over the card holder frame 4602 and may displayinstructions to the user. A battery 4620 (shown only in FIG. 46A) may becarried in a suitable battery holder mounted to the card holder frame4602 and connected by appropriate conductive elements to powertransmission contacts of the card 104 as described above. The powersource may be powered by mains (e.g., via a USB connector) or solarpowered. In other embodiments, if the smart card contains an on-boardpower source, such as a solar cell, an external power source is notrequired.

A finger guide 4601 may be attached to or integrally formed with thecard holder frame 4602. The finger guide 4601 may include an A-channelwing 4610, a B-channel wing 4612, a C-channel wing (or raised section)4614 with a beveled front edge 4622, a front stop 4618 having a curvedcontour to accommodate the curved tip of a finger placed on theC-channel 4614, and a cut out 4616 through which a sensing portion 106of the inserted card 104 is exposed. The finger guide 4601 and cardholder frame 4602 could be made of any suitable material, such as moldedplastic.

FIGS. 47A-47F show a finger guide 4702, such as those shown in FIGS.38-41 and 48A-B, incorporated into a data input device in the form of anoverlay 4704 integrating a power source according to some embodiments.As shown in FIGS. 47A-47F, the finger guide 4702 is incorporated intothe overlay 4704 integrating the power source with a host device (e.g.,smart card 104) disposed beneath the overlay 4704. The finger guide 4702may be incorporated into any overlay or data input device having acutout exposing a part of the fingerprint sensor, such as those shown inFIGS. 26A-26C, 28 and 34A-34F. The finger guide 4702 may be incorporatedinto an overlay without a data input configuration while having a cutoutexposing a part of the fingerprint sensor 106. Such embodiments of thefinger guide 4702 incorporated in an overlay 4732 without a data inputconfiguration are described in further detail in FIGS. 47G-47H.

In the embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 47A-47H, a smart card104 is the device containing the fingerprint sensor 102. However, theapplication of the finger guide 4702 and the overlay 4704, 4732 is notrestricted to a smart card and can be used for any device that containsa fingerprint sensor in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments,the smart card 104 comprises the fingerprint sensor 102 with a sensingarea 106, possibly LEDs or other status indicators, and contact pads 108providing contacts for an external power source.

In some embodiments, the overlay 4704, 4732 comprises a thin material,e.g., a film that conforms to a surface of the host device when securedthereto. The overlay 4704, 4732 may comprise an adhesively-backedsticker or film temporarily and removably placed over the card 104. Insome embodiments, repositionable adhesives provided by companies such as3M, Krylon, Franklin Adhesives and Polymers, and Bostik may be appliedto the overlay 4704, 4732 to temporarily place over the portion of thecard 104 including the contact pads 108. In other embodiments, thetemporary overlay 4704, 4732 may be slid over the device, clipped ontothe device, or folded onto the device rather than adhering to the devicesurface. The overlay may be magnetic and stick to the device surface ifthe device is metal.

FIGS. 47A-47B show top perspective views of the finger guide 4702incorporated into the data input device in the form of an overlay 4704integrating a power source with a host device (e.g., smart card 104)disposed beneath the overlay 4704. A cutout 4713 in the overlay 4704 anda cutout 4715 in the finger guide 4702 exposes a portion of the sensingarea 106 while another portion of the sensing area 106 remains covered.As described above, the covered portion of the sensing area 106 isreferred to as portion X and the exposed portion of the sensing area 106is referred to as portion Y. In some embodiments, the overlay 4704comprises data input keys 4706A-F on a top surface of the overlay 4704.In such embodiments, the overlay 4704 comprises corresponding connectiontraces 4708A-F on a bottom surface of the overlay 4704. The connectiontraces 4708A-F electrically couple each data input key with anassociated spatially distinct portion of the sensing area 106. In someembodiments, each of the associated spatially distinct portions iswithin portion X of the sensing area 106 covered by the overlay 4704.

A portion of the overlay 4704 covers the contact pad 108 of the device104. The overlay 4704 comprises power connection traces 4722A (shownonly in FIGS. 47D-47F), 4722B (shown only in FIGS. 47D and 47F) and cardcontacts (not shown in FIGS. 47A-47F) that contact power pads (e.g.,power terminals) of the contact pad 108 when the overlay 4704 is appliedto the card 104. In some embodiments, the card contacts include acontact power input and a ground connection. The overlay 4704 maycomprise a suitable power element 4726 (shown only in FIGS. 47D-F) topower the card 104 and sensor 102, such as a small cell battery LR44. Insuch embodiments, the power element 4726 is securely attached to theoverlay 4704 and makes electrical contact with a power element contactpad 4730 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 47F) of the overlay 4704. Forexample, one terminal of a battery may contact the power element contactpad 4730. A power connection trace 4722B connects the ground connectionto the power element contact pad 4730 and a power connection trace 4722Aconnects the contact power input to a conductive contact 4724 (shownonly in FIGS. 47D-47F). In some embodiments, the power connection traces4722A, 4722B, the card contacts (e.g., the contact power input and theground connection), the power element contact pad 4730, and theconductive contact 4724 are etched or printed in metal, metalized paint,conductive ink, conductive polymer, or any conductive coating on thebottom side of the overlay 4704. Any appropriate routing arrangement forthe power connection traces 4722A, 4722B on the bottom surface of the4704 overlay is possible with the requirement that the routing of thepower connection traces 4722A, 4722B must avoid the exposed portion ofthe sensing area 106 and the connection traces 4708A-F for the datainput keys 4706A-F.

The finger guide 4702 may be attached to or integrally formed with theoverlay 4704. In the illustrated embodiment, finger guide 4702 includesthree finger guide channels: an A-channel wing 4712, a C-channel wing4714, a B-channel wing (or raised section) 4716 with a beveled frontedge 4718, a front stop 4720 positioned to be engaged to the tip of afinger placed on the B-channel 4716, and the cut out 4715 through whicha sensing portion 106 of the inserted card 104 is exposed. The fingerguide 4702 could be made of any suitable material, such as moldedplastic.

In various embodiments, finger guide 4702 further comprises a lever 4710configured to enable a user to selectively close a power circuit betweenthe power element 4726 and the terminals of the electronic device toenable power transmission between the power element 4726 and theelectronic device. The lever 4710 and the circuit closure will bedescribed in further detail in FIGS. 47C-47F.

FIG. 47C shows a top view of the finger guide 4702 incorporated into theoverlay 4704 with a magnified view of the lever 4710. In someembodiments, the lever 4710 is a single use switch that the user maypush down in order to close the power circuit, i.e., power on thefingerprint sensor. In such embodiments, the finger guide 4704 maycomprise a latch or detent configured to catch the lever 4710 whenpushed down by the user and keep the lever 4710 in the pushed downposition. The lever 4710 may be an on-off rocker switch or a dome,plunger, or blister switch.

FIGS. 47D-47F show various bottom views of the finger guide 4702incorporated into the data input device in the form of an overlay 4704integrating a power source with a host device (e.g., smart card 104)disposed beneath the overlay 4704. As shown in FIGS. 47D-47F, the powerelement 4726 is attached on the bottom surface of the overlay 4704 overthe power element contact pad 4730 (shown only in FIG. 47F). In someembodiments, the power element 4726 is attached to the bottom surface ofthe overlay 4704 underneath the finger guide 4702. In such embodiments,the finger guide 4702 provides a stiffening effect for the overlay 4704and further support for the power element 4726.

The conductive contact 4724 is positioned underneath the lever 4710 (notshown in FIGS. 47D-F). In some embodiments, a portion of the overlay4704 is cut out such that the overlay 4704 is surrounding the conductivecontact 4724. A conductive spring clip may contact one terminal of thepower element 4726. Accordingly, when the user pushes the lever 4710down, the conductive contact 4724 is also pushed down and makes contactwith the conductive spring clip 4728 extending from the power element4726, thereby closing the power circuit between the power element 4726and the power transmission contacts or terminals of the electronicdevice (e.g., smart card 104) to enable power transmission between thepower element 4726 and the electronic device. Once the user hascompleted an enrollment process using the fingerprint sensor 102, theconfiguration of the finger guide 4702 incorporated into the overlay4704 makes it convenient for the user to grip a portion of the fingerguide 4702 extending out of the smart card 104 and peel the finger guide4702 and the overlay 4704 off of the smart card 104. Peeling the fingerguide 4702 and the overlay 4704 off of the smart card 104 disconnectsthe power transmission between the power element 4726 and the smart card104.

FIGS. 47G-47H show various top views of an embodiment of the fingerguide 4702 incorporated into the overlay 4732 comprising a power source.In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 47G-47H, the overlay 4732does not comprise a data input device. Accordingly, the overlay 4732does not include the data input keys and corresponding conductive tracesas described above in FIGS. 47A-47F. As such, the size of the overlay4732 may be minimized to save cost of manufacture.

As described above, a portion of the overlay 4732 covers the contact pad108 of the device 104. The overlay 4704 comprises power connectiontraces 4722A, 4722B and card contacts that contact power pads (e.g.,power terminals) of the contact pad 108 when the overlay 4732 is appliedto the card 104. In some embodiments, the card contacts include acontact power input 4734 and a ground connection 4736. The overlay 4732may comprise a suitable power element, as described above in FIGS.47A-47F, to power the card 104 and sensor 102, such as a small cellbattery LR44. In such embodiments, the power element is securelyattached to a bottom surface of the overlay 4732 and makes electricalcontact with a power element contact pad of the overlay 4732. Forexample, one terminal of a battery may contact the power element contactpad. A power connection trace 4722B connects the ground connection tothe power element contact pad and a power connection trace 4722Aconnects the contact power input to a conductive contact. In someembodiments, the power connection traces 4722A, 4722B, the card contacts(e.g., the contact power input 4734 and the ground connection 4736), thepower element contact pad, and the conductive contact are etched orprinted in metal, metalized paint, conductive ink, conductive polymer,or any conductive coating on the bottom side of the overlay 4732.

The finger guide 4702 may be attached to or integrally formed with theoverlay 4732. As described above in FIGS. 47A-47F, the finger guide 4702comprises the lever 4710 configured to enable a user to selectivelyclose a power circuit between the power element and the terminals of theelectronic device (e.g., the smart card 104) to enable powertransmission between the power element and the electronic device. Oncethe user has completed an enrollment process using the fingerprintsensor 102, the configuration of the finger guide 4702 incorporated intothe overlay 4732 makes it convenient for the user to grip a portion ofthe finger guide 4732 extending out of the smart card 104 and peel thefinger guide 4702 and the overlay 4732 off of the smart card 104.Peeling the finger guide 4702 and the overlay 4732 off of the smart card104 disconnects the power transmission between the power element and thesmart card 104.

FIGS. 47I-47L illustrate an embodiment of an overlay including a fingerguide 4702 comprising a switch 4738. In the illustrated embodiment shownin FIGS. 47I-47L, the finger guide 4702 comprising the switch 4738 isincorporated into an overlay 4748 comprising a power element 4726, wherethe overlay 4748 does not comprise a data input device as describedabove in FIGS. 47G-47H. In other embodiments, the finger guide 4702comprising the switch 4738 may be combined with a data input device inthe form of an overlay integrating a power element as described above inFIGS. 47A-47F.

FIGS. 47I-47J show various top views of an embodiment of the fingerguide 4702 comprising the switch 4738 configured to enable a user toselectively open and close a power circuit between the power element4726 (shown in FIGS. 47J-47K) and the terminals of the electronic device(e.g., the smart card 104) to enable and disable power transmissionbetween the power element and the electronic device. As shown in FIG.47I, the switch 4738 may be configured to be movable in direction “A” toclose the power circuit, thereby initiating power transmission betweenthe power element and the electronic device according to someembodiments. The switch 4738 may also be configured to be movable indirection “B” to open the power circuit, thereby terminating powertransmission between the power element and the electronic device. Theinitiating and terminating of power transmission between the powerelement and the electronic device will be described in further detailbelow in FIGS. 47K-47L.

In some embodiments, the switch 4738 comprises a top surface 4744, twoside walls 4740A-B (one side wall 4740A shown in FIGS. 47I-47J and theother side wall 4740B shown in FIGS. 47K-47L), and a back wall 4746. Insuch embodiments, the finger guide 4702 comprises two slot cutouts4742A-B, in which the two side walls 4740A-B of the switch 4738 arelocated in, respectively. Accordingly, the slot cutouts 4742A-B allow auser to move the switch 4738 back and forth in directions A and B, asshown in FIG. 47I. In some embodiments, the top surface 4744 comprises araised section (e.g., a handle) 4750 configured to help a user slide theswitch back and forth in directions A and B.

FIG. 47K shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the fingerguide 4702 comprising the switch 4738. For the purpose of explanation,FIG. 47K shows the switch 4738 with a side wall 4740A removed. Asdescribed above, the power element 4726 is attached on the bottomsurface of the overlay 4748 underneath the finger guide 4702. As shownin FIG. 47K, a conductive spring clip 4728 comprising a roundedconductive head 4752 at a distal end extends from the power element4726. The overlay 4748 comprises a conductive contact 4724 positionedabove the head 4752. The switch 4738 further comprises a bottom base4746 comprising a stepped surface. In some embodiments, the steppedsurface comprises two steps 4754A-B, each including a curved and smoothtop surface. In such embodiments, each surface of the steps 4754A-B isconfigured to receive the rounded head 4752. As shown in FIG. 47K, thestep 4754A closer to the power element 4726 is lower than the other step4754B. Accordingly, when the switch 4738 is pushed back in direction B,the lower step 4754A receives the head 4752. The lower step 4754A isconfigured to receive the head 4752 such that the head 4752 does notcontact the conductive contact 4724, thereby opening the power circuitbetween the power element 4726 and the terminals of the electronicdevice (e.g., the smart card 104) to terminate or disable powertransmission between the power element and the electronic device.

FIG. 47L shows a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of thefinger guide 4702 comprising the switch 4738 along the line L-L in FIG.47I. As shown in FIG. 47L, the switch 4738 is slidable in direction Baccording to some embodiments. In such embodiments, the lower step 4754Amoves towards the direction of the power element and the higher step4754B moves into the previous position of lower step 4754A. Accordingly,the rounded conductive head 4752 is pushed up into and received by thecurved top surface of the higher step 4754B, as shown by the arrow indotted line in FIG. 47L. The higher step 4754B is configured to receivethe head 4752 such that the head 4752 contacts the conductive contact4724, thereby closing the power circuit between the power element 4726and the terminals of the electronic device (e.g., the smart card 104) toinitiate or enable power transmission between the power element 4726 andthe electronic device.

The user may move the switch 4738 in direction B to disable transmissionbetween the power element 4726 and the electronic device (e.g., thesmart card 104). In such embodiments, the step closer to the powerelement 4726 may be higher than the other step of the bottom base 4746.Accordingly, moving the switch 4738 in direction A would enabletransmission between the power element 4726 and the electronic device.

The rounded conductive head 4752 may be separate from the conductivespring clip 4728 and attached to the conductive contact 4724. In suchembodiments, the distal end of the conductive spring clip 4728 may bepushed up and down by the movement of the switch 4738, as describedabove, to initiate and terminate transmission between the power element4726 and the electronic device (e.g., the smart card 104).

As shown in FIGS. 47I-47L, the switch 4738 enables a user to selectivelyinitiate and terminate the power transmission between the power element4726 and the terminals of the electronic device (e.g., the smart card104). The minimal number of components of the switch 4738, as describedabove, allows reduction in cost of manufacture.

In alternative embodiments to the overlay 4702 shown in FIGS. 47A-47Land having a lever 4710 or switch 4738, the overlay lacks a fingerguide.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are right and left partial perspective views of analternative configuration of a finger guide 4800. The finger guide 4800comprises a first channel 4802 (channel A) a second channel 4804(channel B), and a third channel 4806 (channel C). Note that thechannels A, B, and C are labeled differently than in the embodimentdescribed above as the particular labeling, if any, is not critical. Thefinger guide 4800 further comprises a cut out 4850 for the fingerprintsensor and a front stop (or finger stop) 4808 located across the cut out4850 from the channel 4804.

In some embodiments, channel 4802 provides a generally flat approach(i.e., parallel to the sensor surface) for a finger placed thereon. Insome embodiments, channel 4804 may be raised above the plane of thesensor surface exposed at the cut out 4850 and has a flat upper portionand a steep ramp 4854 (e.g., about 45 degrees) extending to the cut out4850. In some embodiments, channel 4806 has a gentle slope (e.g., about10-15 degrees) extending down to the cut out 4850.

The flat approach of first channel 4802, the gentle ramp of channel4806, and the steep ramps of channel 4804 could be on any side of thesensor (i.e., cut out 4850), in any order, but the arrangement shown isideal for a fingerprint sensor positioned above a long central axis andclose to the right-hand short edge of a smart card, such as isillustrated in FIG. 1. For example, in a typical bank card, the sensormay be placed in this position so as not to interfere with the secureelement module which is typically close to the left-hand short edge of asmart card, or with the printed or embossed symbols and/or a magneticstrip on the smart card, both of which run parallel to, but arepositioned below, the long central axis of the card.

When holding the card, it is more natural to provide a tip touch at thesecond channel 4804 because channel 4804 is closest to the short edge ofthe card, as shown in FIG. 49A

At channel 4806, the user has to reach over more card material comparedto channel 4802. The gentle slope of channel 4806 is complementary tothe resulting thumb position, meaning a different part of the fingersurface is more likely to be imaged compared to channel 4802, as shownin FIG. 49B.

At channel 4802, the user grasps the card from the long side closest tothe sensor, as shown in FIG. 49C.

In some embodiments, the finger guides, and, if applicable, card holderframes, of FIGS. 38-48 are made of inexpensive materials that can besafely disposed of, for example, plastic, cardboard, rubber, or foam.The materials may be lightweight such that the finger guide may be sentto the user by mail or courier at low cost. The base plate, raisedsection(s), and channel(s) of the finger guide may be molded in a singleunit, or may be separate parts.

Finger guides such as those shown in FIGS. 39-48 require the user toplace a finger on the sensing surface at positions that are separatedfrom each other by angles in a plane parallel to the sensing surface andat positions that are elevated with respect to the sensing surface.Thus, such guides provide three-dimensional variation of the fingerpositions during enrollment. Benefits of such three-dimensionalvariation are shown conceptually in FIGS. 50, 51, and 52.

FIG. 50 shows “novice” enrollment (i.e., with no guidance on how toenroll) according to some embodiments. Without guidance, the usertypically puts their finger 5006 up and down again in the same orsimilar places along the finger longitudinal axis 5002. The user doesnot rotate their finger with respect to the sensor, and hence thecaptured images 5004 are not very different from one another. Inaddition, none of fingertip is captured. This has a particularly adverseimpact on user verification results if the device containing thefingerprint sensor is a smart card. Since smart cards are thin andlight, they are most likely held between pinched thumb and finger withthe thumb tip on the sensor, hence it is important to enroll the tip inthe fingerprint template.

FIG. 51 shows a two-dimensional “angle” enrollment according to someembodiments. In the “angle” enrollment, the user is encouraged to rotatetheir finger 5006 relative to the finger longitudinal axis 5002. Forexample, the user may rotate their finger 5006 by +/−45 degrees as wellas 0 degrees relative to the finger longitudinal axis 5002. Accordingly,more of the sides of the finger pad may be captured as images 5004 forthe fingerprint template, but little more of the longitudinal segment ofthe fingerprint is captured as the user is likely not going to rotatetheir finger 5006 much. Since the enrollment showed in FIG. 51 istwo-dimensional, i.e., “flat,” it is unlikely to capture images offingertip area.

FIG. 52 shows a three-dimensional enrollment according to someembodiments. In the three-dimensional enrollment, the user is encouragedto rotate their finger 5006 relative to the finger longitudinal axis5002 and to use a channel having a ramp. For example, the user mayrotate their finger 5006 by +/−90 degrees as well as 0 degrees and use achannel having a steep ramp and/or a channel having a gentle ramp. Forthe three-dimensional enrollment, the user has to physically rotate thedevice containing the sensor in order to insert their finger 5006 in thechannel, thereby increasing the chances of extending coverage of thefingerprint template because their finger 5006 will almost certainly beplaced in a different place than before (e.g., 180 degrees between A andC channels in FIGS. 48A and 48B). Having channels with both steep andgentle ramps means the fingerprint template coverage extends to includethe fingertip. Accordingly, the result of such three-dimensionalenrollment is a greater portion of the longitudinal segment of thefingerprint captured as images 5004 for the fingerprint template ascompared to other enrollment techniques.

In some alternate finger guide embodiments, two or more different fingerguide channels may not be located in fixed positions with respect to thesensing surface as in the finger guides described herein, but may bemoved with respect to the sensing surface to selectively place one ofthe channels in operative proximity to the sensing surface.

FIG. 53A is a top plan view of an alternative finger guide 5302 wherebytwo or more cut outs 5304A-C and associated finger guide channels5306A-B are linearly moveable with respect to the sensing surface 106 toselectively align the cut out 5304A-C with the sensing surface 106 andplace the associated finger guide channel 5306A-B in operative proximityto the sensing surface according to some embodiments. The finger guide5302 is clipped, adhered, or otherwise temporarily attached to a smartcard 104. The smart card may be inserted into a power sleeve 5308 orother power source, such as, for example power source 902 shown in FIG.9A, power source 910 shown in FIG. 9D, power source 920 shown in FIG.9F, or any other suitable power source to which the card 104 may becoupled. The finger guide 5302 and power source 5308 could also beconnected together or otherwise manufactured as a single, integral unit.

As shown in FIG. 53A, the finger guide 5302 includes a panel 5310 havingtwo or more cutouts 5304A-C that is slidably or otherwise movablyattached to rails 5312, or other structures allowing linear translationof the panel 5310, attached to the card. In the illustrated embodiment,the panel includes three cut outs A 5304A, B 5304B, C 5304C that can beselectively aligned with the sensing surface 106 of the card'sfingerprint sensor by moving the panel 5310 with respect to the rails5312, and each cut out 5304A-C has a different finger guide channelconfiguration. For example, finger cut out A 5304A has a flat approachby which a finger placed thereon is generally parallel to the surface ofthe fingerprint sensor sensing surface 106. Cut out B 5304B includes agentle ramp 5306A whereby a finger placed there and is oriented at anelevation angle of, for example, 10-15° with respect to the sensingsurface 106. A front stop (not shown in FIG. 53A) may be providedadjacent the cut out 5304B on the opposite side from the ramp 5306A. Cutout C 5304C may have a steep ramp 306B whereby the finger is oriented atan elevation angle of, for example, about 45° with respect to thesensing surface 106. A front stop (not shown in FIG. 53A) may beprovided adjacent the cut out 5304C on the opposite side from the ramp5306B.

The panel 5310 is movable with respect to the rails 5312, which may beattached to the card 104 such that any of cutouts A, B, or C 5304A-C canbe aligned with the sensing surface 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG.53A, the sensing area 106 is shown through the cut out C 5304C, which isaligned with the sensing area 106. In some embodiments, detents or othersimilar features may be provided to releasably secure the panel 5310with respect to the guide rails 5312 to resist, but not prevent,translation of the panel 5310 with respect to the rails 5312 such thatthe panel 5310 will hold a selected linear position. In an embodiment asshown in FIG. 53B, the underside of the panel 5310 has spaced pins 5314while the upper side of the rails 5312 have soft teeth 5316 so that thepanel 5310 can be slid until a cut out 5304A-B lines up with the sensingsurface 106. The panel 5310 stays in the selected position during fingerenrollment through the aligned cut out. In some embodiments, the userhas to push or pull the panel 5310 sufficiently hard to overcome theresistance of the pins 5314 engaging the teeth 5316 to align a differentcut out with the sensing surface 106.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 53A, the panel 5310 ismovable with respect to the guide rails 5312 and the card 104 in adirection parallel to the long side of the card 104. The panel 5310 maybe movable with respect to the guide rails 5312 and the card 104 in adirection parallel to the short side of the card 104.

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of an alternative finger guide 5402 wherebytwo or more cut outs 5402A-C and associated finger guide channels5306A-B are rotatably moveable with respect to the sensing surface 106to selectively align the cut out with the sensing surface 106 and placethe associated finger guide channel 5306A-B in operative proximity tothe sensing surface 106 according to some embodiments. The smart card104 may be inserted into a power sleeve 5308 or other power source, suchas, for example power source 902 shown in FIG. 9A, power source 910shown in FIG. 9D, power source 920 shown in FIG. 9F, or any othersuitable power source to which the card may be coupled. The rotatablefinger guide 5402 and power source 5308 could also be connected togetheror otherwise manufactured as a single, integral unit.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 54, the rotatable fingerguide 5402 is in the form of a dial or spinner having three cutouts A5306A, B 5306B, C 5306C. The spinner can be rotated about its center toselectively position one of the cut outs A 5306A, B 5306B, or C 5306C inalignment with the sensor. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG.54, cut out C 5306C is aligned with the sensing surface 106.

FIGS. 55, 56, and 57 illustrate various components of the rotatablefinger guide 5402 shown in FIG. 54. FIG. 55 shows an embodiment of thebase 5500 of the rotatable finger guide 5402 that may be removablyattached to the smartcard 104 or any other fingerprint sensor enableddevice. For example, the base 5500 may be removably attached by clips,adhesive, or the like. The spinner base 5500 has an axle 5502 at itscenter, a base cut out 5504, and a spindle 5506 for an arm of a positionselector. The base 5500 is secured to the smart card 104 with the basecut out 5504 aligned with the fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 56 shows a top portion 5600 of the rotatable finger guide 5402according to some embodiments. The cut outs A, B, and C 5402A-C areformed in the top portion 5600. The top portion 5600 may include anumber of position selector posts 5602A-C. The top portion 5600 mayfurther include a center knob 5604 for rotating the top portion.Alternatively, in lieu of the knob 5604, the user could rotate the topportion, i.e., the spinner, 5600 by its outer peripheral edge.

FIG. 57 is a side view of a position selector 5702 of the rotatablefinger guide 5402 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,the position selector 5702 comprises a flexible arm 5704 projectedradially from the spindle 5506 of the base 5500.

The top portion 5600 is mounted on the axle 5502 of the base 5500 sothat the top portion 5600 can rotate about the axle 5502 when the userturns the knob 5604 or turns the top portion about its edge. Theposition selector arm 5704 is positioned so that the arm 5704 contactsthe position selector posts 5602A-C of the top portion 5600 to therebyhold the top portion 5600 in a position aligning one of the cut outs A5402A, B 5402B, C 5402C with the base cut out 5504 and the sensor. Torotate the top portion 5600 and re-position the guide 5402, the userapplies torque to the top portion 5600 to overcome the resilience of theposition selector arm and move the position selective post 5602A-C pastthe position selector arm 5704 and rotate the top portion 5600 to alignthe next cut out 5402A-C with the base cut out 5504 and the sensor.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 56, the top portion 5600includes three cut outs A 5402A, B 5402B, C 5402C that can beselectively aligned with the sensing surface 106 of the card'sfingerprint sensor by rotating the top portion 5600, i.e., the spinner,with respect to the base 5500, and each cut out has a different fingerguide channel 5306A-B configuration. For example, finger cut out A 5402Ahas a flat approach by which a finger placed thereon is generallyparallel to the surface of the fingerprint sensor sensing surface. Insome embodiments, cut out B 5402B includes a gentle ramp 5306A whereby afinger placed thereon is oriented at an elevation angle of, for example,10-15° with respect to the sensing surface 106. A front stop may beprovided adjacent the cut out on the opposite side from the ramp. Cutout C 5402C may have a steep ramp 5306B whereby the finger is orientedat an elevation angle of, for example, about 45° with respect to thesensing surface 106. A front stop may be provided adjacent the cut outon the opposite side from the ramp. In the illustrated embodiment shownin FIG. 56, a front stop 5606 is provided on the opposite side from thesteep ramp 5306B. However, a front stop may also be provided on theopposite side from the gentle ramp 5306A in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, more than three cut outs may be provided in therotatable finger guide 5402 each with different angles of finger guidechannel raised sections (also referred to as ramps) and/or withdifferent finger shaped channel walls.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a simple, costeffective method 5800 to enroll a biometric template, such as afingerprint template, on a device that has limited ability to providefeedback to the user, such as a smart card and using a power source(such as the power source described above in FIG. 9F) and separatefinger guide (such as the finger guide described above in FIGS. 38-41),or alternatively using a power source with integrated finger guide (suchas the power source with integrated finger guide described above inFIGS. 42-47).

In step S802, a fingerprint-enabled smart card is manufactured. The cardprovider may set the status of the smart card as inactive to preventunauthorized use before the intended user can enroll a fingerprinttemplate and contact the card provider to activate the card.

In step S804, the card provider provides the smart card and a low-cost,simple power source and a temporary finger guide to the user, e.g., sentby mail or courier or given out by a bank or retail outlet. The powersource could be battery powered, powered by mains (e.g., via a USBconnector), or solar powered. The finger guide may be separate to thepower source, or integrated in the power source. In another embodiment,if the smart card contains an on-board power source, such as a solarcell, an external power source is not required.

In step S806, the user positions the finger guide around the sensingarea of the fingerprint sensor. The smart card may be sent to the userwith the finger guide already positioned around the sensor. The userthen connects the smart card to the power source by, for example,inserting the card into a power source housing having contacts forconnecting one or more power transmission contacts of the smart card tothe power source without connecting any data transmission contacts ofthe smart card to a device configured to transmit data to or receivedata from the card. Accordingly, in such embodiments, connecting thesmart card to the power source does nothing but provide power to theelectrical components of the smart card—e.g., LED, logic elements,sensor elements, etc. —and the power source is unable to transmit datato or from the smart card. In other embodiments, the finger guide may beused in conjunction with a power source including means for transmittingdata to or from the smart card. If the finger guide and the power sourceare a single integrated device, then positioning the finger guide withrespect to the fingerprint sensor and connecting the smart card to thepower source comprise one single step of inserting the smart card orotherwise operatively coupling the smart card to the integrated device.

The smart card and the power source may be sent to the user with thesmart card already inserted in the power source. In such embodiments, abattery connection tab is inserted between the power source and thesmart card to keep a power connection disconnected. The user may pullout the battery connection tab to connect the power source to the smartcard.

In step S808 one or more trigger events are detected that results in thefingerprint sensor being put into enrollment mode. An example triggerevent may be based on the non-expiration of a timer or a counter. Forexample, the trigger event may be detecting that the timer or counterhas not expired. In such embodiments, a user can enroll a biometrictemplate within a certain time after the fingerprint sensor is put intoenrollment mode. In other embodiments, the trigger event may bedetecting that the age of the smart card is under a certain age limitwhich is tracked, for example, by the timer or the counter. The countermay be incremented each time a biometric template has been successfullyenrolled or whenever the smart card was used. In such embodiments, thetrigger event may be detecting that the counter has not exceeded apredetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined number of biometrictemplate enrollments or card uses).

Another example trigger event may include an occurrence of an errorstate. A software or hardware component error may occur during theenrollment. An error recovery procedure initiated in response to suchsoftware or hardware component error may be the trigger event. In suchembodiments, the software or hardware component error would have to be arecoverable error (e.g., a minor error, a transient event or a glitch).Thus, detection of a recoverable error that precluded completion of theenrollment process would cause the sensor to enter enrollment mode. Insuch embodiments, a non-recoverable error occurring during theenrollment (e.g., a component on the card fails) would not initiate orconstitute a trigger event.

Other example trigger events include detection of a flag set the lasttime the card was inserted in a card reader (for example a flag set whenthe card is inserted into a card reader that transmits data to or fromthe card and instructing the card to enter enrollment mode the next timethe card is connected to power), lack of an enrolled fingerprinttemplate on the card is detected, detecting that power has been providedto the card, or entry of a PIN code (e.g., via a data entry templatecoupled to the power source as described above). Still another triggerevent may be detection that the card has been inserted into a powersource that has connection to only power contacts on the card and nodata transmission contacts. Other events, or combinations of events, maybe trigger events. The trigger event may be detected by the fingerprintsensor, or by another component on the card (e.g., the secure elementmodule) or may be detected as a result of the fingerprint sensor andanother component on the card interacting, e.g., a handshake. If acomponent other than the fingerprint sensor detects the trigger event,that component may signal to the fingerprint sensor to enter enrollmentmode.

The enrollment mode may be triggered, but the user may not complete theenrollment. That is, the fingerprint sensor may be in enrollment mode,but the user does not provide any input to the fingerprint sensor forthe purpose of gathering sufficient acceptable images for a fingerprinttemplate. In such embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may enter a powersaving sleep mode, also referred to as a “wait on finger mode,” to avoiddraining the power source. For example, once the fingerprint sensorenters the enrollment mode and does not receive any input from the userfor a predetermined period of time, the fingerprint sensor enters thepower saving sleep mode and waits for a user touch to wake up and resumethe enrollment process. In some embodiments, any acceptable imagescaptured before the fingerprint sensor entered the power saving sleepmode are saved so that the enrollment process continues where the userhad left off. In some embodiments, smart card components, such as thesecure element module, may enter a sleep mode when the fingerprintsensor enters the power saving sleep mode. Similarly, the smart cardcomponents may wake up when the fingerprint sensor wakes up from thepower saving sleep mode and resumes the enrollment process.

The card remains in enrollment mode until disconnected from the powersource or until the enrollment is complete. If the card is disconnectedfrom the power source before enrollment is complete, the process maymove back to step S808, whereby an appropriate trigger event will resultin the sensor being put back into enrollment mode, or alternatively theuser may be required to take some action, such as contact the cardprovider or obtain a new card, to enable the card to be put intoenrollment mode.

The card receives power from the power source, and a status indicator onthe smart card (e.g., an LED) indicates to the user that the one or morepower transmission contacts of the power source are connected to thepower source (i.e., the card is powered), that the fingerprint sensor isin enrollment mode, and the smart card is ready for enrollment to start.

In step S810, the user can now start to enroll a fingerprint with theassistance of the finger guide. Step S810 is described in further detailin FIG. 59. The fingerprint is enrolled by storing a fingerprinttemplate derived from one or more fingerprint images generated byplacing a finger on the fingerprint sensor. The smart card must remainconnected to the power source throughout the enrollment process. In theevent the smart card is disconnected from the power source during theenrollment process, the enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor isautomatically deactivated. In some embodiments, reconnecting the smartcard to the power source moves the process back to step S808, whereby anappropriate trigger event will result in the sensor being put back intoenrollment mode. The enrollment process is complete when a sufficientfingerprint template is acquired and stored in the fingerprint sensor(e.g., as described in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,813).Once the enrollment process is complete, enrollment mode in thefingerprint sensor is disabled permanently or alternatively, until afresh trigger event occurs. In some embodiments, the status indicatorprovides an indication to the user when an image is acceptable, e.g., byan LED illuminating for a few seconds, and may indicate when an image isnot acceptable, e.g., by the LED flashing several times. The statusindicator may indicate to the user when sufficient acceptable imageshave been gathered for the fingerprint template and confirm that theenrolling step is successfully complete, e.g., by the LED illuminatingfor longer period, such as 10 or more seconds. In some embodiments, morethan one LED may flash different colors to communicate the variousindications described above. A flexible display such as an OLED panelmay be used to provide textual feedback during the enrollment process.

In step S812, the user removes the smart card from the power source,thereby disconnecting the one or more power transmission contacts of thesmart card from the power source, and the power source may be discarded.The user may also now remove the finger guide (if it is not integratedin the power source) and may dispose of it.

If the card provider set the status of the card as inactive at stepS802, then the user must activate the card before attempting to use it.In step S814, the user contacts the card provider (e.g., by phone, app,internet, etc.) to activate the smart card. The user must provideacceptable user verification details to the card provider in order toactivate the smart card. If the user is verified, the card provider setsthe card status as active in their systems. The user is now able to usethe card in the normal way to pay for items, but now requiringfingerprint verification in order to use the smart card. If the user isnot verified, the card remains inactive and cannot be used.

As discussed above, in step S810 of FIG. 58, the user enrolls theirfinger on the host device with the assistance of the finger guide. FIG.59 breaks down step S810 of FIG. 58 as a method 5900 to provide moredetail as to how the finger guide assists in the enrollment process.

As described above, in step S808, a trigger event puts the fingerprintsensor into enrollment mode. Once the fingerprint sensor is put intoenrollment mode, the process may begin method 5900 with step S810Aaccording to some embodiments. In step S810A, the user puts their fingerin channel A of the finger guide and touches the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor. The sensor captures an image of the finger andoptionally signals to the user if the captured image is acceptable via astatus indicator. The user repeatedly lifts and touches the sensor withthe same finger via channel A until a total of w acceptable images(touches) have been captured, where w may range between 1-5, forexample, 2. The user may lift and touch the sensor with the same fingerany number of times before the total of w acceptable images (touches)have been captured and move on to step S810B or step S810C beforereturning to step S810A to complete the total of w acceptable images.

In step S810B, the user puts the same finger in channel B of the fingerguide and touches the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. The sensorcaptures an image of the finger and optionally signals to the user ifthe captured image is acceptable via a status indicator. The userrepeatedly lifts and touches the sensor with the same finger via channelB until a total of x acceptable images have been captured, where x mayrange between 1-5, for example 2. The user may lift and touch the sensorwith the same finger any number of times before the total of xacceptable images (touches) have been captured and move on to step S810Aor step S810C before returning to step S810B to complete the total of xacceptable images.

In step S810C, the user puts the same finger in channel C and touchesthe sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. The sensor captures an imageof the finger and optionally signals to the user if the captured imageis acceptable via a status indicator. The user repeatedly lifts andtouches the sensor with the same finger via channel C until a total of yacceptable images have been captured, where y may range between 1-5, forexample, 2. The user may lift and touch the sensor with the same fingerany number of times before the total of y acceptable images (touches)have been captured and move on to step S810A or step S810B beforereturning to step S810C to complete the total of y acceptable images.

In step S810D, the enrollment is complete and the process continues tostep S812 described earlier.

Steps S810A-C may be carried out in any order. For example, the method5900 may begin with any one of steps S810A-C.

In some embodiments, the total number of acceptable images (touches)that need to be captured for a sufficient fingerprint template may bethe sum of x+y+z. In such embodiments, the user may put the same fingerin one channel, for example channel A, B, or C, of the finger guide andrepeatedly lift and touch the sensor with the same finger via the samechannel until the total number of acceptable images, e.g., x+y+z, arecaptured. For example, if the method 5900 had begun with step S810B, theuser may repeatedly lift and touch the sensor with the same finger viachannel B until the total number of acceptable images are captured. Oncethe total number of acceptable images is reached in step S810B,enrollment is complete and the process continues to step S812.

The finger guide may comprise one or more status indicators, such asLEDs, and a controlling processor coupled to the one or more statusindicators and configured to assist the user during the enrollmentprocess described in method 5900. The one or more status indicators mayprovide an indication to the user regarding which channel of the fingerguide to put the same finger in. Referring to the finger guide (such asthe finger guide described above in FIGS. 38-41), or alternatively thepower source with integrated finger guide (such as the power source withintegrated finger guide described above in FIGS. 42-47), each of thefinger guide's channels may comprise one or more status indicators.Accordingly, the controlling processor may be configured to indicate tothe user through the one or more status indicators on each channel whichchannel the user should put the same finger in. For example, one or morestatus indicators on a C-channel wing may indicate to the user to placethe same finger in the C-channel. As a further example, after the userplaces the same finger in the C-channel, one or more status indicatorson a B-channel wing may indicate to the user to subsequently place thesame finger in the B-channel. In this way, the controlling processor mayguide the user through the enrollment process by indicating whichchannels of the finger guide to place the same finger in.

In some embodiments, capacitive strips may be implemented around theedges of each side of the sensing area corresponding to each channel.For example, a capacitive strip may be placed around an edge of thesensing area corresponding to channel A. Similarly, a capacitive stripmay be placed around the remaining two edges of the sensing areacorresponding to channel B and channel C. In such embodiments, thefingerprint sensor may be configured to recognize that the user hasplaced a finger in a certain channel when the finger contacts, or comeswithin a close proximity to, the corresponding capacitive strip. Forexample, the fingerprint sensor may recognize that the user has placed afinger in the C-channel when the finger contacts, or comes within aclose proximity to, the capacitive strip placed around the edge of thesensing area corresponding to channel C.

In an alternative embodiment, such capacitive strips may be implementedin each side of the finger guide's cutout corresponding to each channel.For example, a capacitive strip may be located on a bottom surface of aside of the cutout corresponding to channel A. Similarly, a capacitivestrip may be located on a bottom surface of the remaining two sides ofthe cutout corresponding to channel B and channel C. In suchembodiments, each capacitive strip may slightly overlap with acorresponding edge of the sensing area when finger guide is placed overthe fingerprint sensor such that the cutout exposes the sensing area.Accordingly, the fingerprint sensor may be configured to recognize thatthe user has placed a finger in a certain channel when the fingercontacts, or comes within a close proximity to, the correspondingcapacitive strip. For example, the fingerprint sensor may recognize thatthe user has placed a finger in the C-channel when the finger contacts,or comes within a close proximity to, to the capacitive strip located onthe bottom surface of a side of the cutout corresponding to channel C.

In some embodiments, the finger guide may have only a single channel.Accordingly, the method 5900 of FIG. 59 may include just step S810A. Insuch embodiments, the process continues to step S812 after step S810A.

The finger guide may have only two channels. Accordingly, the method5900 of FIG. 59 may include just two step, e.g., step S810A and stepS810B. In such embodiments, the process continues to step S812 afterstep S810B.

The finger guide may be removed after step S810C and the user may thentouch the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor with the same fingerwith no guide present. In such embodiments, the method 5900 may includean additional step, in which the sensor captures an image of the fingerand optionally signals to the user if the captured image is acceptablevia a status indicator. The user repeatedly lifts and touches the sensorwith the same finger until a total of z acceptable images have beencaptured, where z may range between 1-5, for example 2. The process thencontinues to step 4812.

The process described in the method 5900 of FIG. 59 is easily extendedif the finger guide has more than three channels.

The sensitivity of a fingerprint sensor's performance to a poorenrollment is governed to some extent by the way that the biometricmatching algorithm, running in conjunction with that particular sensorhardware, is designed to operate. For example, some biometric algorithmsperform matching by minutiae matching, while others employ ridge flowanalysis. Fingerprint templates may be created in different ways, suchas stitching, or image filtering and sorting. Some biometric algorithmsare agnostic to the rotation of the finger with relation to theorientation of the sensor while others are not. It is beneficial iffingerprint sensor device manufacturer understands how fingerprinttemplates are generated and how its matching algorithms operate. Thisinformation, taken with knowledge of how the end user holds and operatesthe device in everyday use, allows the identification of parts of thefinger pad, including peripheral portions, that should be enrolled inorder to see reliable user verification in all use cases, when aparticular sensor design is running a particular biometric algorithm.

For some fingerprint sensor and biometric algorithm combinations, oneway to maximize coverage of the minutiae-rich longitudinal segment is touse a finger guide with three channels, where channel A is offset fromchannel C by −m degrees and channel B is offset from channel C by +ndegrees, assuming the center of channel C aligns with the center of thesensing area of the fingerprint sensor, measured in the same plane asthe plane of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. «m» and «n» arein the range 0-180 degrees and in some embodiments, m and n are 90degrees, although it is not necessary that m and n are equal.

In addition, when viewed in cross-section, channel C is elevated fromthe plane of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor (and hence theplane of channels A and B) by and elevation angle of +p degrees,assuming the center of channel C aligns with the center of the sensingarea of the fingerprint sensor, measured in cross section to the planeof the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor. The elevation angle «p»is in the range 0-90 degrees and in various embodiments, p is between 15and 45 degrees.

Various embodiments of angled channels are shown in FIGS. 60A-60D. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 60A, channel A is offset from channel C by−90 degrees and channel B is offset from channel C by +90 degrees, whilethe center of channel C aligns with the center of the sensing area 106of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 60A, channel C is elevatedfrom the plane of the sensing area 106 by the elevation angle of +40degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 60B, channel A is offset fromchannel C by −45 degrees and channel B is offset from channel C by +45degrees, while the center of channel C aligns with the center of thesensing area 106 of the fingerprint sensor. As shown in FIG. 60B,channel C is elevated from the plane of the sensing area 106 by theelevation angle of +20 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 60C,channel A is offset from channel C by −135 degrees and channel B isoffset from channel C by +135 degrees, while the center of channel Caligns with the center of the sensing area 106 of the fingerprintsensor. As shown in FIG. 60C, channel C is elevated from the plane ofthe sensing area 106 by the elevation angle of +20 degrees. In someembodiments, the biometric algorithm is agnostic to rotation. In suchembodiments, FIGS. 60B and 60C will produce similar images. FIG. 60Dshows an example of a finger guide configuration with eight channels,seven of which lie in the same plane as the fingerprint sensing area 106and one of which, i.e., channel C, is angled via the raised section totip the finger onto the sensing area. In an alternative embodimentdescribed above in FIGS. 48A and 48B, more than one channel may beangled by using more than one raised section on the base plate to tipthe finger in different orientations on the sensing area.

FIGS. 61A-61C show example profiles in cross-section of the raisedsection and illustrate how angle p of channel C is achieved when thefinger is tipped up by hitting the highest edge of the raised sectionnearest the sensing area 106. As shown in FIGS. 61A-61C, various regularand irregular shapes of the raised section are possible and thesefigures show only a few examples. The raised section may be aligned withthe edge of the fingerprint sensor, or may be set back from the edge ofthe sensor. In FIG. 61A, the raised section 6102A is set back from anedge of the sensing area 106. In FIG. 61B, an edge of the raised section6102B forms a curved shape of the channel wall. In FIG. 61C, the raisedsection is set at an edge of the sensing area 106.

FIGS. 62A, 62B, 62C schematically represent finger contact with afingerprint sensor using the fingerprint guide of FIGS. 48A and 48Baccording to some embodiments. FIG. 62A shows a top plan view of fingercontact with the sensing area 106, where the finger position isrepresented by arrows A, B, and C. As shown in FIG. 62A, fingerpositions A and B are separated by n degrees (e.g., 90 degrees), andfinger positions B and C are separated by m degrees (e.g., 90 degrees).FIG. 62B shows a side view of a finger contacting the sensing area 106while positioned on channel B, whereby the finger is oriented at anelevation angle of p degrees (e.g., about 45 degrees). FIG. 62C shows aside view of a finger contacting the sensing area while positioned onchannel C, whereby the finger is oriented at an elevation angle of qdegrees (e.g., about 10-15 degrees).

FIG. 63 is a flow chart showing a process 6300 to re-enroll a biometricsensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, based on a trigger event thatcauses the sensor to go into re-enrollment mode. A process for initiallyenrolling a biometric such as a fingerprint whereby a trigger eventcauses the sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, to enter the enrollmentmode is described above and shown in FIG. 23B. Re-enrollment may benecessary where the initial enrollment was unsuccessful or was onlypartially successful, resulting in an biometric template incapable ofproviding reliable verification. A card provider may prohibitre-enrollment entirely for security reasons.

In step 6302 of process 6300, the user connects the biometricsensor-enabled device, such as a fingerprint sensor enabled smart card,for which a biometric template has already been enrolled or anenrollment has been attempted, to a power source, including any of thepower sources described above (with or without a finger guide). In step6304, a trigger event results in the sensor being put into re-enrollmentmode. Exemplary trigger events for re-enrollment at step 6304 mayinclude inserting the card into power source, detecting a specificinstance of connecting the card to the power source (e.g., second,third, etc. connection of the smart card to the power source), detectionof an existing biometric template already enrolled, detection of certaincard inserted into a certain power source (i.e., a known pair), a useris verified by matching finger against existing biometric template,entry of an activation code (i.e., PIN code) (e.g., via a data inputtemplate coupled to the power source as described above), a signal fromthe secure element module or other component of the card, counter ofnumber of uses below a certain threshold (i.e., the user is notpermitted to re-enroll if card is not new, or relatively new), age ofcard below a certain threshold (e.g., memory on card stores a timestampof when the card was first used in a PoS and a timestamp of when thecard was last used and if the difference between the timestamps is lessthan a certain threshold, re-enrollment is triggered), maximum number ofallowable re-enrollments not yet reached, user interactions with thesensor, placing or removing an overlay on the biometric sensor, placingor removing a data input device in the form of an overlay or a sleeve onthe biometric sensor, activation of an input mechanism, or anycombination of the above. Instead of using a power source, a cardprovider may trigger re-enrollment if the card is placed in secureterminal, e.g., ATM, PoS or bank terminal. A user ID could then beverified via fingerprint and/or activation code (PIN) or other ID formsas a trigger for re-enrollment.

In step 6306, the user enrolls a fingerprint, e.g., in accordance withany of the enrollment procedures described above.

In step 6308, if the re-enrollment is successful, the existing storedbiometric template is replaced in the memory of the host device with anew enrolled biometric template. If the re-enrollment is unsuccessful,then no new biometric template is stored, and the existing biometrictemplate stored in the memory of the host device is retained.Alternatively, in step 6308, if the re-enrollment is successful, theexisting biometric template is modified based on the biometric imagesacquired during the re-enrollment procedure. For example, the existingbiometric template could be enhanced or augmented with additionalimages, rather than replacing it completely. As part of the process forenhancing or augmenting an existing biometric template, a requirementcould be set that new images can only be enrolled to the existingbiometric template if they are similar to existing biometric templateimages (also referred to as a limited form of “dynamic” enrollment.).

In step 6310, the user may remove the smart card from the power sourceafter enrollment of the fingerprint.

In some instances, it may be necessary or desirable to enroll abiometric template for each of more than two fingers. FIG. 64 shows aflow chart illustrating a process 6400 for enrolling a biometrictemplate in a biometric sensor-enabled host device, such as enrolling afingerprint template in a fingerprint sensor-enabled smart card, wherebyafter an enrollment process, determination is made as to whether arepeat enrollment procedure should be performed for a different finger.In step 6402, a fingerprint-enabled smart card is manufactured, andoptionally, the manufacturer sets the status of the smartcard asinactive. In step 6404, the smart card and a power source, e.g., atemporary and removable power source (with or without a finger guide) asdescribed above, is sent to the user. In step 6406, the user connectsthe smartcard to the power source. In step 6408, a trigger event causesthe fingerprint sensor to be put into an enrollment mode for a firstfinger. Exemplary trigger events may include events such as thosedescribed above, for example in connection with the process shown inFIG. 23B. In step 6410, the user enrolls a fingerprint and if theenrollment is successful, a fingerprint template is created for thatfinger in the memory of the host device. In step 6412, a trigger eventoccurs to determine whether the fingerprint sensor should be put into arepeat enrollment mode for another finger. Trigger event for repeatenrollment at step 6412 could be: a signal from the secure element orother component of the smartcard, detection that the card remains inpower source for more than a predetermined number of seconds after lastfingerprint template was successfully enrolled, detection of that anumber of existing fingerprint templates already enrolled has not yetreached maximum, data entry from user (e.g., the user may hold down anenrolled finger for a long hold on sensor or double tap on sensor,activation code entry), placing or removing an overlay on the sensor,placing or removing a data input device in the form of an overlay or asleeve on the sensor, activating an input mechanism or any combinationof the above. If it is determined at step 6412 that the sensor should beput into a repeat enrollment mode, the sensor returns to step 6410. Ifthe trigger event does not occur such that the sensor is not put into arepeat enrollment mode, at step 6414, after enrollment of the requiredfingers, the user removes the smart card from the power source. In anoptional step 6416, the user contacts the smartcard provider to activatethe smartcard.

Status Indicators on a Power Source

A power source may comprise two or more status indicators (also referredto as indicator elements in the current disclosure). The power sourcemay comprise a receptacle, with or without a finger guide, or the powersource may comprise a temporary overlay including a power element, withor without a finger guide.

The power source is used only for temporarily providing power to thebiometric sensor of the smart card, or other biometric-enabled device,to facilitate enrollment of a biometric verification template. Invarious embodiments, the power source is not able, and includes nocomponents that would enable the power source, to communicate data to orfrom any external device other than, in certain embodiments, detecting astatus signal from a smart card so that a status indicator may bepresented to the user, but without transmitting such signal to any otherexternal device. To thereafter use the biometric sensor for userverification, for example to enable a fingerprint sensor in a smart cardto be used for user verification to permit transactions to be completedwith the smart card, the smartcard, or other biometric-enabled device,must be uncoupled from the temporary power source and thereafter coupledto an external receiving device capable of transmitting and/or receivingcommunications (e.g., a point of sale card reader), between thebiometric enabled device and the external receiving device.

The power source does not provide any capability to transmit data to anexternal device nor does the power source receive any data from anexternal device. As such, communication between the power source and anyexternal device is prevented. For example, if the power element of apower source is a socket and the socket is plugged into a main power,the socket is used for power transmission only and power linecommunication protocols are not used. In addition, the power source doesnot provide any means to input a biometric template to the smart card orreceive a stored biometric template (or a copy of a biometric template)from the smart card.

In some embodiments, status indicators comprise LEDs, audio speaker,vibrators, a display, or any combination of the aforementioned. Thestatus indicators may use flashing lights (slow/fast), solid lights(on/off), colored lights, images, text, images, audible tones,vibrations, among others, and/or any combination of the aforementioned,to convey information regarding an enrollment process as shown, forexample, in Table 1 below and FIGS. 69 and 74. The status indicators mayuse flashing lights (slow/fast), solid lights (on/off), colored lights(including lights capable of displaying in two or more colors), images,text, images, audible tones, vibrations, among others, and/or anycombination of the aforementioned, to instruct a user to place a fingeron a fingerprint sensor in a certain direction/position at theappropriate time. The status indicators may convey information regardingthe status of the enrollment process to the user while instructing theuser to place a finger on a fingerprint sensor in a certaindirection/position at the appropriate time

FIGS. 65-66 illustrate a device to facilitate enrollment of averification template of fingerprint data in the form of a power source6502 comprising two or more status indicators 6504 a-b. In someembodiments, the power source 6502 comprises a receptacle 6510configured to be removably coupled to a smart card, and the smart cardis coupled to the power source 6502 by inserting the smart card into thereceptacle 6510 in the direction indicated by printed instructions 6512included on a surface of the power source 6502. The printed instructions6512 included on the surface of the power source 6502 may guide the useras to how to couple and/or decouple the smart card to the power source6502. For example, the printed instructions 6512 may comprise text,arrows, and diagrams. In some embodiments, the printed instructions 6512instruct the user how to enroll their finger and/or inform the userregarding the function of the status indicators.

In some embodiments the receptacle 6510 comprises an injection moldedplastic frame, a covering layer of artwork and instructions, a PCB 6702,contact pins 6706, a signal detection circuit 6708, and/or support forthe power element 6704, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 67-68. The powersource 6502 is designed for ease of volume manufacture, low cost and ispreferably small and lightweight so that the power source 6502 may bereadily transmitted to a user by mail or post. The injection moldedplastic frame may be molded as a single piece of plastic and ismanufactured with conventional molding tools. The PCB 6702 and the powerelement 6704 are attached to the injection molded plastic frame. Thestatus indicators 6504 a-b may be mounted on the PCB 6702, as shown inFIG. 67. The power source includes the power element 6704 which powersthe status indicators 6504 a-b. The power element 6704 may be a battery,a solar cell and/or a plug or outlet for connecting to a main power. ThePCB 6702 may comprise contact pins 6706 connected to the power element6704 and the signal detection circuit 6708 and the status indicators6504 a-b. In such embodiments, the contact pins 6706 make contact withpower contact pads of the smart card when the smart card is coupled tothe power source 6502, thereby providing power to the smart card.

In some embodiments, the status indicators 6504 a-b and the signaldetection circuit 6708 on the power source are connected to contact padson the surface of smart card. In such embodiments, the signal detectioncircuit 6708 may detect a signal from the SE of the smart card regardinga status of the enrollment process. The signal detection circuit 6708may then signal one or more of the status indicators 6504 a-b based onthe detected status of the enrollment process. The signal detectioncircuit is open when a smart card is not coupled to the power source andthe signal detection circuit is closed when the smart card is coupled tothe power source in order to prevent the status indicators from drainingthe power element. The signal detection circuit may be configured to beopen and closed based on the presence of the smart card by using amechanical switch 6710 which moves when the smart card is coupled to thepower source.

The signal detection circuit may comprise a voltage comparatorconfigured to detect whether the available voltage of the power element6704 is below a threshold indicating that the available voltage is notsufficient to power the enrollment process. As described in furtherdetail below, if the voltage is too low, one or more status indicators6504 a-b may convey this to the user and/or this state may be signaledto the smart card.

As shown in FIG. 65, a finger guide 6506 is attached to the receptacle6510 according to some embodiments. The finger guide 6506 may includetwo finger guide channels (such as any of the finger guide channelsdescribed herein): a first finger guide channel 6508 a and a secondfinger guide channel 6508 b. This is not required, however, and thefinger guide 6506 may include fewer or more finger guide channels. Insome embodiments, a first status indicator 6504 a, for example a greenLED, is associated with the first finger guide channel 6508 a and asecond status indicator 6504 b is associated with the second fingerguide channel 6508 b. During enrollment, the status indicators 6504 a-binstructs the user to place their finger in the direction of theassociated finger guide channel in order to capture an image of thefinger. The user relies on the status indicators 6504 a-b to know whenand where to apply their finger. The status indicators 6504 a-b may beused to indicate to the user that enrollment is successful and/orcomplete.

As disclosed herein, the user may apply their finger on each fingerguide channel alternately for optimal enrolment. For example, if siximages are to be captured with a two-channel finger guide 6506, the userfirst goes to position A (e.g., apply a finger in the direction of thefirst finger guide channel 6508 a), then position B (e.g., apply thefinger in the direction of the second finger guide channel 6508 b), thenposition A, then position B, then position A, and then position B.Applying a finger alternately on each channel increases finger movementand increases the likelihood of gathering a sufficient number ofdifferent images, thereby providing a high quality template. Thisexemplary sequence is not required, however, and any sequence of thechannel finger guides is possible in alternative embodiments.

After enrolling one finger, the user may be permitted to enroll one ormore additional fingers according to some embodiments. In suchembodiments, a status indicator may signal to the user that the userstart enrolling a new finger. As described above, the status indicatorsassociated with each respective channel finger guide instructs andguides the user during enrollment of each new finger.

In the context of the present disclosure, a status indicator is“associated” with a finger guide channel if the status indicator and thefinger guide channel are constructed and arranged such that there is aone to one correspondence, actual or perceived, between the statusindicator and the finger guide channel. For example, and withoutintending to be limiting, a status indicator may be associated with afinger guide channel by instructional text and/or graphic elements oraudible instructions or other signals informing a user that a particularstatus indicator is associated with a particular finger guide channel,by spatial proximity between the status indicator and the associatedfinger guide channel, or by physical integration of the status indicatorinto the associated finger guide channel.

As another example, the association between a status indicator andfinger guide channel maybe a matter of user perception and may not bethe same from one user to the next. For example, for enrolling afingerprint verification template for a fingerprint-enabled smart cardusing a temporary power source with status indicators, such as LEDs,associated with different finger guide channels on the power source,users tend to hold the card receptacle of the power source in landscapeorientation (i.e., the long dimension of the rectangular card isoriented substantially horizontally) because the user can then read theartwork (text and/or graphic elements) on the receptacle, assuming theartwork is also printed in landscape orientation which is the customary(but not exclusive) orientation for bank cards, bank notes and checkbooks. With the receptacle and card thus oriented, one LED on thereceptacle is disposed above the other. That is, the user perceives an“upper” LED and a “lower” LED. Accordingly, the first LED to light upmay be the upper LED. Assuming a user is first instructed to place afinger on the fingerprint sensor in the direction of the first fingerguide channel 6508 a, when enrolling a right thumb print, it is naturalto approach the card from the right-hand side, i.e., to place the thumbin the “correct” finger guide channel (i.e., the finger guide channel6508 a next to the active upper LED). However, to enroll a left thumbprint, a left-handed user would have to turn the receptacle by ninetydegrees straight away for the very first thumb touch to be in the“correct,” or intended, finger guide channel 6508 a. This may feel oddto a new user, and thus, the left-handed user may intuitively put histhumb in the “wrong,” or unintended, finger guide channel (i.e., thefinger guide channel 6508 b nearest to the lower LED which was not lit).A left-handed user trying to enroll a finger may follow the LED lightsand alternately hop between the two finger guide channels as desired,but, because of his natural angle of approach, he may consistently placehis finger in the “wrong” finger guide channel compared to where theactive LED is alight. As long as the user is consistently alternatingbetween the finger guide channels, it may not impact upon the quality ofthe resulting fingerprint verification template because the order ofwhich finger guide channel starts does not matter. But, in this case,the association of a status indicator with a finger guide channel is amatter of a user's perception rather than some other associationalaspect, such as spatial proximity between the status indicator and thefinger guide channel.

In another example, the artwork on the power source could be oriented inportrait (i.e., the long dimension of the rectangular card is orientedsubstantially vertically) so the finger guide is at the bottom withrespect to the text on the artwork when a user holds the power source.If the artwork is oriented in this fashion then the user would be morelikely to hold the receptacle in portrait orientation and the user wouldnot need to turn the receptacle to obey the first status indicator,regardless of if the user were left or right-handed. Alternatively, alandscape-style power source could be customized for left-handed usersto swap the order in which the status indicators come on and/or thesensor may be repositioned in the biometric card.

A blind user may choose to hold the power source in a differentorientation. The status indicators may be audio rather than visual. Insuch embodiments, as there is no benefit in seeing the statusindicators, the user may turn the power source upside down whileenrolling so that the user may more easily feel the finger guidechannels. The status indicators may be positioned on a surface of thepower source opposite of the surface including the finger guidechannels.

In an alternative embodiment, the status indicators 6504 a, 6504 b maybe positioned adjacent one side of the sensor opening as shown, butfinger guide channels 6508 a, 6508 b may be omitted. The statusindicators 6504 a, 6504 b may be selectively activated to indicate aposition and/or orientation at which a finger should be placed on thesensor without the assistance of a finger guide channel for positioningand orienting the finger.

In some embodiments, one or more status indicators may be implemented onthe smart card 6806. In such embodiments, an opening 6802 on the powersource 6502 may reveal a status indicator 6804 c on the smart card 6806while two status indicators 6804 a-b are implemented on the powersource, as shown in FIG. 68. The status indicators 6804 a-c may be usedto display status information during the enrollment process. The statusindicators 6804 a-c may be implemented on the power source 6502. In someembodiments, any combination of one or more status indicators on thesmart card 6806 and the power source 6502 may be used. and the opening6802 may reveal two more status indicators on the smart card 6806. Insome embodiments, status indicators on the smart card 6806 may beconnected to the status indicators on the power source, such that thestatus indicators on the power source mirror the indications provided tothe user by the status indicators on the smart card. The statusindicators on the power source may supplement or replace the statusindicators on the smart card.

A key objective for the system for fingerprint enrollment using thepower source as described herein is to prevent any risk of tamperingwith the smart card and any risk of interfering with or intercepting theenrollment process and/or the components on the smart card.

The smart card may signal an enrollment state to the power source duringthe enrollment process. In some embodiments, status indicators on thepower source convey a particular enrollment state to the user during theenrollment process. For example, possible enrollment states that aresignaled from the smart card to the power source during the enrollmentprocess are listed below in Table 1. FIG. 69 lists further possibleenrollment states that are signaled from the smart card to the powersource and associated status indicators. The list of possible enrollmentstates shown in FIG. 69 may be explained with reference to FIG. 68. Forexample, status indicator 6804 a may correspond to LED “A,” statusindicator 6804 b may correspond to LED “B,” and status indicator 6804 cmay correspond to “Card Green.”

TABLE 1 Possible enrollment state (from smart card to power source)Comment Wait for finger on Waiting for finger to go down (optionallythis is indicated next to the finger guide channel required) Wait forfinger off Signal user to lift finger off the sensor before next imageis taken Additional finger Optional indicator for user to enroll asecond, third, etc. finger on the card Acceptable image Unacceptableimage Optional. (Alternative to signaling an unacceptable image issimply to keep signaling to the user that additional images arerequired.) Error Optional Enrollment is complete

In some embodiments, only information regarding the status of theenrollment process is sent from the smart card to the power sourceduring enrollment. Other information, for example, card holder details,the fingerprint template, etc. does not leave the smart card duringenrollment.

In an example of a power source described herein, the power sourceincludes a receptacle into which a smart card may be inserted, the powersource provides power to the smart card inserted into the receptacle,data or signals indicative of the enrollment status of the smart cardbiometric sensor are provided to the power source by the smart card orare detected in the smart card by detection circuitry in the powersource, no data is transmitted from the power source to an externaldevice, and status indicators—such as LED lights—on the receptacle (and,optionally, on the smart card as well) are activated to indicate theenrollment status. The enrollment status indicated may include one ormore of the following: the smart card biometric sensor is (or is not) inan enrollment mode, the user should provide a biometric image (e.g.,place a finger on the a fingerprint sensor), a biometric image providedby the user is (or is not) accepted, the biometric enrollment templateis (or is not) complete, the enrollment mode is terminated. The powersource may only provide power to the smart card, or the power source mayalso include one or more data input keys as described herein forinputting data from the power source to the smart card. The power sourcemay optionally include a finger guide as described herein attached tothe receptacle and may optionally include status indicators associatedwith finger guide channels as described herein for guiding orinstructing a user with respect to placement of a finger on a fingerguide channel. The power source may optionally include status indicatorsadjacent to a fingerprint sensor of a smart card inserted into the powersource receptacle for guiding or instructing a user with respect toplacement of a finger on the sensor, and the finger guide channels maybe omitted.

In another example of a power source described herein, the power sourceincludes a receptacle into which a smart card may be inserted, the powersource provides power to the smart card inserted into the receptacle, nodata or signals are provided to the power source by the smart card, nodata is transmitted from the power source to an external device, andstatus indicators—such as LED lights—on the smart card are activated toindicate the enrollment status of the smart card biometric sensor. Theenrollment status indicated may include one or more of the following:the smart card biometric sensor is (or is not) in an enrollment mode,the user should provide a biometric image (e.g., place a finger on the afingerprint sensor), a biometric image provided by the user is (or isnot) accepted, the biometric enrollment template is (or is not)complete, the enrollment mode is terminated. The power source may onlyprovide power to the smart card, or the power source may also includeone or more data input keys as described herein for inputting data fromthe power source to the smart card. The power source may optionallyinclude a finger guide as described herein attached to the receptacleand may optionally include status indicators associated with fingerguide channels as described herein for guiding or instructing a userwith respect to placement of a finger on a finger guide channel. Thepower source may optionally include status indicators adjacent to afingerprint sensor of a smart card inserted into the power sourcereceptacle for guiding or instructing a user with respect to placementof a finger on the sensor, and the finger guide channels may be omitted.

In instances with smart cards including a Secure Element (SE) inaddition to a biometric module, two signaling scenarios with respect tothe enrollment process may be provided depending on how the enrollmentprocess is split between the Secure Element, the biometric module, andother components on the smart card. The signaling scenario may bedetermined based on, and not restricted to, the capability of the SE andsecurity requirements, e.g., whether the biometric module is beingutilized for a payment application or an application which requires lesssecurity.

In a first scenario, biometric template storing and matching isperformed entirely by the biometric module. In the first scenario, thebiometric module notifies the SE (in accordance with a known andpredefined protocol) of an enrollment state during enrollment process.In accordance to the received enrollment state notification, the SE maythen send signals high/low on contact pads of the smart card. Thecontact pads used for the signaling may be the data contact pads or thepower contact pads or both. The SE or the biometric module mayadditionally signal the enrollment state via status indicators on thecard. The signal detection circuit on the power source detects the statechange based on the high/low signals on the contact pads and may drivethe status indicators on the power source accordingly.

In a second scenario, biometric template storing and matching is splitbetween the biometric module and the SE. In the second scenario, forexample, the template storing is performed on the SE. Accordingly, theSE is involved in the enrollment process in cooperation with thebiometric module and therefore aware of the enrollment state during theenrollment process. In accordance to the enrollment state, the SE sendssignals high/low on contact pads of the smart card. The contact padsused for signaling may be the data contact pads or the power contactpads or both. The SE or the biometric module may additionally signal theenrollment state via status indicators on the card. The signal detectioncircuit on the power source detects the state change based on thehigh/low signals on the contact pads and drives the status indicators onthe power source accordingly.

If the card does not include a SE, the biometric module may send signalshigh/low on contact pads of the smart card in accordance to theenrollment state. In some embodiments, any other component on the smartcard may send signals high/low on contact pads of the smart card inaccordance to the enrollment state. The signal detection circuit on thepower source detects the state change based on the high/low signals onthe contact pads and drives the status indicators on the power sourceaccordingly.

The power source may provide an input signal to the smart card totrigger enrollment mode when the smart card is coupled to the powersource. In some embodiments, the smart card is a contact ordual-interface card and the smart card may default into operatingaccording to ISO standards for a card transaction as soon as the smartcard receives power (i.e., the smart card enters “contact mode”). Insuch embodiments, a signal from the power source to the card to triggerthe enrollment process is necessary.

The power source may signal to the smart card that the power element,e.g., a battery, is low. In some alternative embodiments, the powersource may not signal to the smart card that the power element is low.In some embodiments, status indicators may indicate to the user that thepower element is low.

In some embodiments, contact pads on the surface of the smart card maybe used to output signals indicating the enrollment states to the useror to input a signal to the smart card as described above.

In some embodiments, contact pads that are conventionally used toinput/output data to/from the smart card when the smart card isoperating in contact mode during a transaction may be repurposed forinput/output during enrolment. For example, one output pad, e.g., the C7pad, may be connected to a signal detection circuit on the power sourceto drive two status indicators in order to signal enrollment statesaccording to some embodiments. The two status indicators may be twoLEDs, e.g., one green LED and one red LED. In some embodiments,additional output pads may be used to drive additional statusindicators, e.g., additional LEDs.

In some alternative embodiments, conventionally unused pads, e.g., theC4 pad and the C8 pad, may be used to input/output data to/from thesmart card.

In alternative embodiments, the power source may not provide any inputto the smart card.

In some embodiments, components on the smart card may manage powerduring enrollment depending on the nature of the power element on thepower source and the number and nature of status indicators on the powersource. For example, if too much current is drawn from the powerelement, e.g., the battery or solar cell, to power the status indicatorsand the components on the smart card during enrolment, the power elementmay drain too quickly. A method of managing power during enrollment mayinclude, for example, power management circuitry or a biometricmicrocontroller (MCU) transitioning components on the smart card notbeing used to a low power state and/or reducing the processor speed.Another method of managing power during enrollment may include, forexample, power management circuitry or the biometric MCU transitioningcomponents on the smart card to a lower power state when the user doesnot apply a finger to the smart card for a predetermined period of timeafter the smart card is coupled to the power source. In such instances,the user may need to recouple the card to the power source in order torestart the enrollment process.

In some embodiments, art work on a surface of the power source is usedto instruct the user to associate a status indicator on the smart card7002 a-b with a particular finger guide channel 7004 a-b on the powersource, as shown in FIG. 70. For example, for an LED 7002 a-b on thesmart card that is visible through an opening in the power sourcereceptacle, the artwork on the surface of the power source may includetext and arrows pointing from the LED 7002 a-b to a particular fingerguide channel 7104 a-b, respectively, thereby indicating to the user toplace a finger on the fingerprint sensor 7006 using the finger guidechannel 7004 a-b associated with the lighted LED 7002 a-b.

In another example of a power source described herein, the power sourceincludes a receptacle into which a smart card may be inserted, the powersource provides power to the smart card inserted into the receptacle, nodata is transmitted from the power source to an external device, and theemissions of optical status indicators—such as LED lights—on the smartcard, which may be activated to indicate the enrollment status of thesmart card biometric sensor, are detected by photo detectors on thereceptacle or are channeled via light pipes on the receptacle, andoptical status indicators—such as LED lights or display windows—on thereceptacle are activated by the emissions detected by the photodetectors or display light channeled by the light pipes to indicate theenrollment status. The enrollment status indicated may include one ormore of the following: the smart card biometric sensor is (or is not) inan enrollment mode, the user should provide a biometric image (e.g.,place a finger on the a fingerprint sensor), a biometric image providedby the user is (or is not) accepted, the biometric enrollment templateis (or is not) complete, the enrollment mode is terminated. The powersource may only provide power to the smart card, or the power source mayalso include one or more data input keys as described herein forinputting data from the overlay to the smart card. The power source mayoptionally include a finger guide as described herein attached to thereceptacle and may optionally include status indicators associated withfinger guide channels as described herein for guiding or instructing auser with respect to placement of a finger on a finger guide channel.The power source may optionally include status indicators adjacent to afingerprint sensor of a smart card inserted into the power sourcereceptacle for guiding or instructing a user with respect to placementof a finger on the sensor, and the finger guide channels may be omitted.

The power source may comprise light pipes 7102 a-b to route the lightsignal from the status indicators 7104 a-b on the smart card, e.g.,LEDs, to a position on the surface of the power source receptacle, suchas a display window 7110 a-b adjacent to the associated finger guidechannel on the power source at the appropriate time, as shown in FIG.71. For example, an LED 7104 a on the smart card may be illuminated andthe associated light pipe 7102 a may extend the light signal from theLED 7104 a to the associated finger guide channel 7106 a, therebyindicating to the user to place a finger on the fingerprint sensor 7108using the associated finger guide channel 7106 a. (Optionally, the inputend of the light pipes 7110 a-b are located on a PCB 6702 (not shown inFIG. 71) of the power source under an external cover panel, facing thesurface of the smart card including the one or more status indicators7104 a-b and thus the light pipes are exposed to relatively low levelsof ambient light making them better able to channel the light emissionsfrom the status indicators 7104 a-b to the display windows that arevisible to the user.) The light pipes 7102 a-b may extend from a statusindicator 7104 a-b to a display window 7110 a-b that contacts or coversa portion of the associated finger guide channel.

The power source comprises one or more photo detectors (e.g.,photodiodes) 7202 a-b configured to detect illumination emitted by eachof the status indicators 7204 a-b on the smart card and trigger statusindicators 7208 a-b on the power source to highlight the associatedfinger guide channel 7206 a-b, thereby indicating to the user to place afinger on the fingerprint sensor 7212 using the associated finger guidechannel at the appropriate time, as shown in FIG. 72A. In someembodiments, the one or more photo detectors 7202 a-b are located on aPCB 6702 (not shown in FIG. 72A) of the power source under an externalcover panel 7214 (e.g., the artwork), each photo detector 7202 a-blocated adjacent to a separate status indicator 7204 a-b. As shown inFIG. 72A, the power source comprises a cutout for each status indicatoron the smart card so that the status indicators may be revealed to theuser.

FIGS. 72B-C show another embodiment of the power source with an externalcover panel on the receptacle—which may be printed with instructions,graphics, logos, or other artwork—omitted to illustrate internalfeatures of the power source. The power source comprises one or morephoto detectors 7202 a-c configured to detect the status indicators 7204a-c on the smart card 6806. FIG. 72B shows the smart card 6806 includingthree status indicators 7204 a-c and the power source including threephoto detectors 7202 a-c, each photo detector associated with a separatestatus indicator. This is not required, however, and the smart card 6806may include any number of status indicators with the power sourceincluding a corresponding number of photo detectors. FIG. 72Billustrates the receptacle 6510 of the power source into which the smartcard 6806 is inserted, with the PCB 6702 omitted from the figure for thepurpose of explanation. FIG. 72C illustrates the power source includingthe PCB 6702 and the inserted smart card 6806.

Referring to FIG. 72B, the receptacle 6510 is configured with an openingthat aligns with the status indicators 7204 a-c of the card 6806 whenthe card is fully inserted into the receptacle such that the one or morestatus indicators 7204 a-c are not covered by the receptacle 6510.

As shown in FIG. 72C, the PCB 6702 is mounted within the receptacle6510. In some embodiments, the photo detectors 7202 a-c are located on asurface of the PCB 6702 facing the surface of the smart card includingthe one or more status indicators 7204 a-c and thus the photo detectors7202 a-c are exposed to relatively low levels of ambient light makingthem more sensitive to light emissions from the status indicators 7204a-c. In an embodiment, each of the photo detectors 7202 a-c isassociated with and detects emissions from one of the status indicators7204 a-c. For example, photo detector 7202 a is associated with statusindicator 7204 a, photo detector 7202 b is associated with statusindicator 7202 b, and photo detector 7202 c is associated with statusindicator 7202 c. Ideally, the photo detectors 7202 a-c are positionedwith respect to their associated status indicators 7204 a-c and theirtriggering threshold (i.e., the level of light emission that willtrigger a positive detection) are set appropriately, to ensure thatphoto detectors are not triggered by light bleeding from neighboring, unassociated status indicators. In some embodiments, the status indicators7204 a-c on the smart card are separated from each other by a distanceof at least 3.5 mm such that a light emitting from neighboring,unassociated status indicators is minimized.

The PCB 6702 further comprises a decoder and power circuitry 7210connecting the photo detectors 7202 a-b to the power source (e.g., abattery 6704) and to each associated status indicator 7208 a-b on thepower source. In some embodiments, the decoder detects a signal from aphoto detector 7202 a-c when the photo detector 7202 a-c is triggered bythe illumination of the associated status indicator 7204 a-c on thesmart card. Accordingly, the decoder may decode a status of theenrollment process being signaled by the smart card via the statusindicators. For example, the decoder may decode a sequence of signalsindicated by the status indicators 7204 a-c into any number of statesregarding the enrollment process. As another non-limiting example, whenthe smart card includes three status indicators 7204 a-c, the decodermay detect the illuminance of each status indicator, i.e., signalingindicated by the status indicators, using three associated photodetectors 7202 a-c and the decoder may comprise a binary decoder todecode the signaling indicated by the three status indicators 7204 a-cinto eight different states regarding the enrollment process. Thedecoder may then trigger one or more status indicators 7208 a-b on thepower source based on the decoded status of the enrollment process.

The status indicators on the smart card 6806 and/or the power source6510 may be bicolor. For example, the status indicators 7208 a-b on thepower source 6510 may be bicolor. The bicolor status indicators may beused to display indications in a particular color, e.g., yellow, whenthe user is being instructed to apply a certain finger, e.g., a rightindex finger or a right thumb, and display indications in a differentcolor, e.g., green, when the user is being instructed to apply adifferent finger, e.g., a left index finger or a left thumb.

The three embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 70, 71,and 72A-C do not require signals to leave the smart card via the contactpads. Accordingly, there is no need for the biometric module, secureelement, or any other component on the smart card to provide a signalthat leaves the smart card in the three embodiments described above.Equally, there is no need for the power source to transmit any signal toany external device.

In alternative embodiments, the power sources shown in FIGS. 70, 71, and72A-72C may be provided without finger guide channels. In suchembodiments, the arrows of FIG. 70, the display windows 7110 a, 7110 bof FIG. 71, or the status indicator lights 7208 a, 7208 b of FIGS. 72Aand 72C are positioned adjacent a side of the sensor opening as shown,but finger guide channels 7004 a, 7004 b, 7106 a, 7106 b, 7206 a, 7206 bmay be omitted. The arrows of FIG. 70, the display windows 7110 a, 7110b of FIG. 71, and the status indicator lights 7208 a, 7208 b of FIGS.72A and 72C indicate a position and/or orientation at which a fingershould be placed on the sensor without the assistance of a finger guidechannel for positioning and orienting the finger.

The enrollment process may require an initial enrollment of two fingers.For example, a user may be required to enroll a left thumb and a rightthumb. In such embodiments, the power source may comprise at least fourstatus indicators 7302 a-b, 7404 a-b, as shown in FIG. 73. The smartcard may comprise two status indicators 7302 a-b. In such embodiments,the power source 6502 may comprise two cutouts where each cutout ispositioned over one of the two status indicators 7302 a-b implemented onthe smart card. Printed instructions may be provided on the surface ofthe power source 6502 to provide guidance to the user with respect tothe function of each status indicator. For example, the printedinstructions may indicate to the user that one status indicator 7302 alights up when the user is required to apply a finger from the left handand that one status indicator 7302 b lights up when the user is requiredby apply a finger from the right hand. In another example, the printedinstruction may simply indicate that one status indicator 7302 a lightsup when the user is required to apply a finger from any hand and thatone status indicator 7302 b lights up when the user is required to applyany other finger. As described above, each of the status indicators 7304a-b lights up to indicate to the user to position a finger on theassociated finger guide channel 7306 a-b. As such, each status indicator7302 a-b, 7304 a-b represents an immediate physical direction cue forthe user. Possible states that may be signaled from the smart card tothe power source during the two finger enrollment are illustrated inFIG. 74 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 74,the “Left” column reflects the indication of the status indicator 7302a, the “Right” column reflects the indication of the status indicator7302 b, the “A” column reflects the indication of the status indicator7306 a, and the “B” column reflects the indication of the statusindicator 7306 b, as shown in FIG. 73.

The photo detectors, light pipes, detector circuits, decoders, and/orfinger guide status indicators described herein may also be incorporatedin to an overlay, such as overlays shown in FIGS. 34A-34F and 35 anddescribed above. Finger guide status indicator could be implemented withor without finger guides as described herein.

Thus, in another example of an overlay described herein, the overlayprovides power to the smart card to which the overlay is applied, nodata is transmitted from the overlay to an external device, and theemissions of optical status indicators—such as LED lights—on the smartcard, which may be activated to indicate the enrollment status of thesmart card biometric sensor, are detected by photo detectors on thereceptacle or are channeled via light pipes on the overlay, and opticalstatus indicators—such as LED lights or display windows—on the overlayare activated by the emissions detected by the photo detectors ordisplay windows on the overlay display light channeled by the lightpipes to indicate the enrollment status. The enrollment status indicatedmay include one or more of the following: the smart card biometricsensor is (or is not) in an enrollment mode, the user should provide abiometric image (e.g., place a finger on the a fingerprint sensor), abiometric image provided by the user is (or is not) accepted, thebiometric enrollment template is (or is not) complete, the enrollmentmode is terminated. The overlay may only provide power to the smartcard, or the overlay may also include one or more data input keys asdescribed herein for inputting data from the overlay to the smart card.The overlay may optionally include a finger guide as described hereinattached to the overlay and may optionally include status indicatorsassociated with finger guide channels as described herein for guiding orinstructing a user with respect to placement of a finger on a fingerguide channel. The overlay may optionally include status indicatorsadjacent to a fingerprint sensor of a smart card to which the overlay isapplied for guiding or instructing a user with respect to placement of afinger on the sensor, and the finger guide channels may be omitted.

A novel feature of embodiments described herein is the ability to use afingerprint sensor in a position sensing mode on a limited device suchas a smart card. The conventional use of a fingerprint sensor inposition sensing mode has been reserved for smart phones, computers andtablets.

Another novel feature of embodiments described herein is the differentconfigurations of data input devices, such as data input devices in theform of overlays and frames, temporarily placed over the sensing area ofa fingerprint sensor installed on a limited device in order to guide auser to spatially distinct control areas for control and data entry forthe device. Once the data input device is removed, the fingerprintsensor operates as a verification method for authorized use of thedevice.

Another novel feature of embodiments described herein is the simple,cost-effective method to enroll a fingerprint template on a limiteddevice using the different configurations of data input devices, such asdata input device in the form of overlays and frames, temporarily placedover the sensing area of a fingerprint sensor.

One of the significant advantages achieved by embodiments describedherein is that the user's fingerprint data never leaves the smart card.The power source (also referred to as a non-data-transmitting powersource) simply provides power to operate the smart card and takes nopart in the enrollment process by transmitting data to or from the smartcard. Another significant advantage provided by embodiments describedherein is that the fingerprint sensor can provide a mechanism for dataentry and control of the limited device in addition to userverification.

Embodiments described herein provide the user with a convenient methodof enrolling a fingerprint while enhancing the security because theenrollment process can be carried out in their home and entirely“off-grid.” A further benefit is the suitability of the process fordevices for enrolling fingerprint templates on devices with limitedfeedback/input capabilities.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the disclosure are summarized by the following numberedembodiments.

Embodiment 1

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a two-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor elements; and

a processor configured to process signals generated by the sensorelements and to be selectively placed in a fingerprint sensing mode anda data input mode, wherein

in the data input mode, the processor is configured to determine inwhich of two or more spatially distinct regions of the array each sensorelement that generates a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element is located to effect adata input based on which spatially distinct region is contacted by thefinger surface, and

in the fingerprint sensing mode, the processor is configured to detectvariations in signals generated by sensor elements in detectableproximity to the finger surface that are indicative of features of afingerprint of the finger surface and to form an image of thefingerprint of the finger surface.

Embodiment 2

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 1, wherein,in the fingerprint sensing mode, the processor is further configured todetect variations in signals generated by sensor elements in detectableproximity to the finger surface that are indicative of features of thefingerprint of the finger surface in each of the two or more spatiallydistinct regions of the array.

Embodiment 3

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 1, whereinthe processor is further configured to detect different interactions ofthe finger surface with the two-dimensional array of sensor elements,wherein the different interactions of the finger surface with thetwo-dimensional array of sensor elements include a double tap, a hold,and a drag motion in a direction along the array.

Embodiment 4

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 3, whereinthe processor is further configured to switch between the data inputmode and the fingerprint sensing mode based on the detected differentinteractions of the finger surface with the two-dimensional array ofsensor elements.

Embodiment 5

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments 1to 4, wherein the two or more spatially distinct regions of the arrayare permanently indicated on a surface of the two-dimensional array ofsensor elements.

Embodiment 6

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments 1to 5, wherein, in the data input mode, the processor is furtherconfigured to:

calculate an average signal measurement at each of the sensor elements,

determine a threshold signal measurement based on the average signalmeasurement, and

determine that a sensor element is contacted by the finger surface whenthe signal generated by the sensor element exceeds the threshold signalmeasurement.

Embodiment 7

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 6, wherein,in the data input mode, the processor is further configured to:

determine that one or more sensor elements contacted by the fingersurface are confined within one spatially distinct region of the array,and

determine that the one spatially distinct region of the array iscontacted by the finger surface.

Embodiment 8

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments 1to 7, wherein, in the data input mode, sensor elements are selectivelyenabled to generate signals in response to the finger surface placed indetectable proximity to the selectively enabled sensor elements.

Embodiment 9

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 8, wherein,in the data input mode, sensor elements confined in the two or morespatially distinct regions of the array are selectively enabled.

Embodiment 10

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a two-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device operatively placed on the array and defining two ormore spatially distinct regions of the array; and

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each ofthe two or more spatially distinct regions of the array when the datainput device is operatively placed on the array and to detect variationsin signals generated by sensor elements in detectable proximity to thefinger surface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of thefinger surface and to form an image of the fingerprint of the fingersurface when the data input device is not operatively placed on thearray.

Embodiment 11

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 10, whereinthe processor is further configured to form an image of the fingerprintof the finger surface when the data input device is operatively placedon the array.

Embodiment 12

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 10, whereinthe data input device comprises two or more windows, the two or morewindows defining the two or more spatially distinct regions of thearray.

Embodiment 13

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 12, wherein sensor elements confined in the two or more spatiallydistinct regions of the array are selectively enabled to generatesignals in response to the finger surface placed in detectable proximityto the selectively enabled sensor elements.

Embodiment 14

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 13, wherein

the data input device includes a conductive component which contacts thesurface of the array, and

the processor is further configured to detect the conductive componentwhen placed in detectable proximity to the two-dimensional array ofsensor elements.

Embodiment 15

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 14, whereinthe processor is further configured to determine whether the data inputdevice is operatively placed on the array based on the detection of theconductive component.

Embodiment 16

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 15, whereinthe processor is further configured to:

compare a position of the detected conductive component with an expectedposition of the detected conductive component when the data input deviceis operatively placed on the array, and

determine whether the data input device is misaligned with the arraybased on the comparison.

Embodiment 17

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 16, whereinthe processor is further configured to calibrate for the misalignment ofthe data input device when determining whether a finger surface isproximate to the spatially distinct regions.

Embodiment 18

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments14 to 17, wherein

the conductive component is arranged on the data input device in apredetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern being a unique patternassociated with the data input device, and

the processor is further configured to detect the predetermined patternand recognize the predetermined pattern as associated with the datainput device.

Embodiment 19

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments14 to 18, wherein the conductive component is arranged on the data inputdevice as a pattern, a bar code, a line, a dot, or a cross.

Embodiment 20

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments14 to 19, wherein the conductive component comprises a metal, metalizedpaint, or conductive ink.

Embodiment 21

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 20, wherein the data input device comprises an adhesively-backedsticker or film.

Embodiment 22

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 21, whereinthe data input device is removably secured to the array.

Embodiment 23

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 20, wherein the data input device comprises a sleeve configured tobe slid over the fingerprint sensor to be operatively placed on thearray.

Embodiment 24

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 23, whereinthe sleeve is configured to be flipped or slid over the fingerprintsensor to be operatively placed on the array, defining a different twoor more spatially distinct regions of the array.

Embodiment 25

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 23 or 24,wherein the sleeve includes a power source and contacts configured totransmit power to the fingerprint sensor when the sleeve is slid overthe fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 26

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 25, wherein the two or more spatially distinct regions of thearray do not constitute the entire two-dimensional array of sensorelements.

Embodiment 27

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments10 to 26, wherein the data input device comprises an upper sheet and alower sheet, the upper sheet comprising holes defining the two or morespatially distinct regions of the array and the lower sheet comprising athin continuous material through which the finger surface is detected.

Embodiment 28

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 27, whereinthe thin continuous material is polymer and has a thickness of aboutless than 100 microns.

Embodiment 29

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 27 or 28,wherein the lower sheet has printed, etched, or textured indications tothe user positioned to show through the holes of the upper sheet whenthe lower sheet is combined with the upper sheet.

Embodiment 30

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a two-dimensional array of sensor elements, each sensor element beingconfigured to generate a signal in response to a finger surface placedin detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device operatively placed on the array and defining two ormore spatially distinct regions of the array; and

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each ofthe two or more spatially distinct regions of the array and to detect anactivation code entered by a user contacting the two or more spatiallydistinct regions in a specified sequence when the data input device isoperatively placed on the array and to detect variations in signalsgenerated by sensor elements in detectable proximity to the fingersurface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of the fingersurface and to form an image of the fingerprint of the finger surfaceafter a correct activation code has been detected.

Embodiment 31

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 30, whereinthe processor is configured to distinguish each separate input in thespecified sequence for the activation code entered by the user based onan absence of signals generated by sensor elements in the array inbetween each data input.

Embodiment 32

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 30, whereinthe processor is configured to detect a data input by the usersimultaneously contacting two or more spatially distinct regions.

Embodiment 33

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 30, wherein

the data input device comprises a pattern of windows defining spatiallydistinct regions of the array corresponding to the pattern of windows,and

the activation code requires the user to contact all of the spatiallydistinct regions of the array corresponding to the pattern of windowssimultaneously.

Embodiment 34

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 30, whereinthe activation code is an input gesture requiring the user to swipe apattern connecting two or more spatially distinct regions in apredetermined sequence.

Embodiment 35

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments30 to 34, wherein the processor is configured to detect a valid orinvalid data input for the activation code.

Embodiment 36

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments30 to 35, further comprising a status indicator, wherein the statusindicator provides an indication to the user regarding the detectedvalid or invalid data input.

Embodiment 37

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 35, whereinthe status indicator is an LED, a screen, or a sound emitting unit.

Embodiment 38

A method for enrolling a fingerprint with two-dimensional array ofsensor elements, each sensor element being configured to generate asignal in response to a finger surface placed in detectable proximity tothe sensor element, the method comprising:

detecting contact by a user's finger with different spatially distinctregions of the array of sensor elements;

detecting a code entered by the user contacting different spatiallydistinct regions of the array in a sequence, and authenticating thedetected code if it matches a predefined activation code;

and

if the detected code matches the predefined activation code, storing oneor more fingerprint images formed when the user places a finger on thearray of sensor elements.

Embodiment 39

The method of embodiment 38, wherein the code entered by the usercomprises data input by simultaneously contacting two or more of thedifferent spatially distinct regions of the array.

Embodiment 40

The method of embodiment 38, wherein the code entered by the user is acontinuous input connecting two or more of the different spatiallydistinct regions of the array in a pattern.

Embodiment 41

The method of embodiment 40, further comprising authenticating thedetected code if the pattern matches a predefined activation pattern.

Embodiment 42

The method of any of embodiments 38 to 41, further comprising:

alerting the user when the detected code does not match the predefinedactivation code;

and

terminating the enrollment method after a predetermined number of failedmatches.

Embodiment 43

The method of any one of embodiments 38 to 42, wherein thetwo-dimensional array of sensor elements is located on a smart card.

Embodiment 44

A method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart card containing afingerprint sensor comprising:

inserting the smart card into a card reader with a power source;

entering an activation code by using a finger to contact spatiallydistinct regions of a sensing area of the fingerprint sensor in asequence, wherein the spatially distinct regions of the sensing area aredefined by a data input device operatively placed on the sensing area;

removing the data input device to reveal the entire sensing area of thefingerprint sensor;

repeatedly contacting, using the finger, the sensing area of thefingerprint sensor until sufficient images of the finger have beencaptured to generate a fingerprint template; and

removing the smart card from the card reader.

Embodiment 45

The method of embodiment 44, wherein the entered activation codecomprises a data input by simultaneously contacting two or more of thespatially distinct regions of the sensing area.

Embodiment 46

The method of embodiments 44 or 45, wherein the entered activation codeis authenticated if it matches a predefined activation code.

Embodiment 47

The method of embodiment 44, wherein the entered activation code is acontinuous input connecting two or more of the spatially distinctregions of the sensing area in a pattern.

Embodiment 48

The method of embodiment 47, wherein the entered activation code isauthenticated if the pattern matches a predefined activation pattern.

Embodiment 49

A device comprising:

a sensor with a removable data input device over the sensor, theremovable data input device comprising a pattern of windows definingspatially distinct regions of the sensor.

Embodiment 50

The device of embodiment 49, wherein the device is a smart card.

Embodiment 51

The device of embodiment 49 or 50, wherein the sensor comprises afingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 52

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device operatively coupled to the array and including twoor more data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of the array;

and

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each datainput key via a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinctdata input regions of the array associated with that data input key whenthe data input device is operatively coupled to the array and to detectvariations in signals produced by sensor elements in detectableproximity to the finger surface that are indicative of features of afingerprint of the finger surface and to form an image of thefingerprint of the finger surface when the data input device is notoperatively coupled to the array.

Embodiment 53

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 52, whereinthe plurality of sensor elements arranged in the two-dimensional arraycomprises a plurality of spaced apart drives lines and a plurality ofspaced apart pickup lines arranged transversely to the drive lines andseparated from the drive lines by a layer of dielectric material.

Embodiment 54

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 52, whereinthe plurality of sensor elements arranged in the two-dimensional arraycomprises a first plurality of spaced apart conductive lines and asecond plurality of spaced apart conductive lines arranged transverselyto the first plurality of spaced apart conductive lines, wherein eachconductive line of the first plurality of spaced apart conductive linesis configured to transmit a signal to the finger surface placed indetectable proximity and each conductive line of the second plurality ofspaced apart conductive lines is configured to receive a resultantsignal.

Embodiment 55

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiments 52 to 54,wherein each data input key is electrically connected to the associatedspatially distinct data input region of the array.

Embodiment 56

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiments 52 to 55,wherein each data input key comprises:

one or more electrically conductive key traces remotely disposed withrespect to the sensor array and configured to be selectively touched bya user finger;

one or more conductive sensing area activation traces, each sensingactivation trace being disposed in detectable proximity to one datainput region of the array; and

a conductive connecting trace electrically connecting each of the one ormore electrically conductive key traces with one of the sensing areaactivation traces.

Embodiment 57

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 56, whereinthe one or more electrically conductive key traces comprise conductivematerial applied on or embedded in the data input device.

Embodiment 58

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 56 or 57,wherein the one or more conductive sensing area activation tracescomprise conductive material applied on or embedded in the data inputdevice.

Embodiment 59

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments56 to 58, wherein the connecting trace comprises conductive materialapplied on or embedded in the data input device.

Embodiment 60

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments52 to 59, wherein the array comprises one or more spatially distinctreference regions not associated with a data input key.

Embodiment 61

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 60, whereineach spatially distinct reference region is positioned adjacent to atleast one of the spatially distinct data input regions.

Embodiment 62

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 60, whereinthe processor is further configured to derive a signal variation basedon a first signal produced from one of the spatially distinct referenceregions and a second signal produced from one of the one or morespatially distinct data input regions as a result of contact by the userfinger with the associated data input key.

Embodiment 63

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 62, whereinthe derivation of the signal variation comprises subtracting the firstsignal produced from the one reference region from the second signalproduced from the one data input region.

Embodiment 64

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments52 to 63, wherein at least one of the data input keys comprises firstand second electrically conductive contacts configured to be contactedsimultaneously by a finger contacting the data input key, wherein thefirst electrically conductive contact is associated with a first of thespatially distinct data input regions and the second electricallyconductive contact is associated with a second of the spatially distinctdata input regions.

Embodiment 65

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 64, whereinthe first electrically conductive contact and the second electricallyconductive contact are interdigitated conductive plates.

Embodiment 66

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 64 or 65,wherein the processor is further configured to derive a signal variationbased on a first signal produced from the first spatially distinct datainput region of the array and a second signal produced from the secondspatially distinct data input region of the array as a result of contactby the user finger with the data input key.

Embodiment 67

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 66, whereinthe derivation of the signal variation comprises subtracting the firstsignal produced from the first spatially distinct data input region ofthe array from the second signal produced from the second spatiallydistinct data input region of the array.

Embodiment 68

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiments 64 to 67,wherein the first spatially distinct data input region is positionedadjacent to the second spatially distinct data input region.

Embodiment 69

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 53, whereineach of the spatially distinct data input regions is substantiallyaligned with an orientation of the plurality of spaced apart pickuplines.

Embodiment 70

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 53, whereineach of the spatially distinct data input regions is transverse with anorientation of the plurality of spaced apart pickup lines.

Embodiment 71

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments52 to 70 further comprising a power source temporarily connectable tothe sensor elements and the processor.

Embodiment 72

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 71, whereinthe power source comprises a battery.

Embodiment 73

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 71, whereinthe power source comprises a solar cell.

Embodiment 74

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 73, whereinthe solar cell is carried on a portion of the data input device.

Embodiment 75

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a fingerprint sensor comprising an array of capacitive sensor elements,each sensor element being configured to produce a contact signal whencontacted by a finger; and

a data input device configured to be removably attached to a host deviceincorporating the fingerprint sensor and including two or more datainput keys,

wherein each data input key is remotely coupled with one or moreassociated data input regions of the array so that the sensor elementsencompassed by the associated data input region produce a contact signalwhen a user touches the data input key.

Embodiment 76

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 75, whereinthe data input device comprises an upper layer and a lower layer,

the upper layer comprising a hole associated with each of the two ormore data input keys, and

the lower layer comprising the two or more data input keys, each datainput key electrically connected to the associated data input region ofthe array.

Embodiment 77

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 75, whereineach data input key comprises:

a conductive key trace disposed on a top surface of the data inputdevice,

a conductive sensing area activation trace disposed on a bottom surfaceof the data input device, and

a conductive connecting trace extending through the data input deviceand electrically connecting the key trace with the sensing areaactivation trace.

Embodiment 78

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments75 to 77, wherein the data input device is removably attached to thehost device with a repositionable adhesive.

Embodiment 79

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments75 to 78, wherein the data input device further comprises a conductivepositioning feature which contacts the array when the data input deviceis attached to the host device, wherein the fingerprint sensor isconfigured to detect the positioning feature, to compare a position ofthe positioning feature with an expected position of the positioningfeature when the data input device is attached to the host device, andto determine the position of the data input device with respect to thearray based on the comparison.

Embodiment 80

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 79, whereinthe fingerprint sensor is further configured to calibrate positions ofthe data input regions based on the position of the data input devicewith respect to the array.

Embodiment 81

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 75, whereinthe data input device comprises:

a remote keypad device including the two or more data input keys, and

a data transfer cable electrically coupling the data input keyselectrically to each associated data input region.

Embodiment 82

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of any one of embodiments75 to 81, wherein the array of capacitive sensor elements is atwo-dimensional array or a one-dimensional array.

Embodiment 83

A data input system comprising:

a host device with a sensor; and

a data input device removably disposed over the sensor, the data inputdevice comprising two or more data input keys, wherein each data inputkey is associated with one or more spatially distinct data input regionsof a sensing area of the sensor.

Embodiment 84

The system of embodiment 83, wherein the host device comprises a smartcard.

Embodiment 85

The system of embodiment 83 or embodiment 84, wherein the sensorcomprises a fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 86

The system of any one of embodiments 83 to 85, wherein the data inputdevice is wrapped around a portion of the host device containing thesensor so as to cover at least a part of a first surface of the hostdevice in which the sensor is disposed and a second surface of the hostdevice different from the first surface.

Embodiment 87

The host device of embodiment 86, wherein the data input devicecomprises at least one data input key on the portion of the data inputdevice covering the first surface and at least one data input key on theportion of the data input device covering the second surface.

Embodiment 88

A data input device removably attachable with respect to an array ofcontact sensor elements, said data input device comprising:

two or more data input keys remotely disposed with respect to a portionof the data input device covering the array, each data input keycomprising a conductive key trace disposed on the data input device;

a conductive sensing area activation trace associated with each datainput key and configured to be disposed over a spatially discreteportion of the array when the data input device is removably attachedwith respect to the array, and

a conductive connecting trace electrically connecting each conductivekey trace with the associated sensing area activation trace.

Embodiment 89

A method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart card containing afingerprint sensor, the method comprising:

connecting the smart card to a power source;

entering an activation code by using a finger to contact two or moredata input keys of a data input device attached to the smart card in asequence corresponding to the activation code, wherein a portion of thedata input device is positioned over a sensing area of the fingerprintsensor and each data input key is associated with one or more spatiallydistinct data input regions of the sensing area;

removing a portion of the data input device from the smart card touncover the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor;

contacting the sensing area of the fingerprint sensor one or more timeswith a finger to enroll a fingerprint template; and

disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

Embodiment 90

The method of embodiment 89, wherein the entered activation codecomprises a data input by simultaneously contacting two or more datainput keys.

Embodiment 91

The method of embodiment 89 or embodiment 90, wherein the power sourceis a wireless power source configured to wirelessly power thefingerprint sensor, and the connecting step comprises placing the smartcard in operative proximity to the wireless power source.

Embodiment 92

The method of embodiment 89, wherein the data input device comprises thepower source, the power source electrically coupled to the fingerprintsensor.

Embodiment 93

The method of embodiment 92, wherein the power source is a solar cellpanel and

wherein the step of connecting the smart card to the power sourcecomprises removing an overlay removably placed over the solar cell panelcontained in the data input device.

Embodiment 94

A smart card comprising:

a card body capable of deflection along any axis lying in the plane ofthe card;

a fingerprint sensor for authenticating a user of the smart card;

a data storage element storing an activation code;

a data input device coupled to the fingerprint sensor to associatedistinct areas of the data input device with distinct areas of thefingerprint sensor, each distinct area of the sensor corresponding to auniquely identifiable portion of an activation code; and

a processor configured to translate a code input by a user interactingwith the fingerprint sensor via the data input device and to compare thecode input by the user with the stored activation code.

Embodiment 95

The smart card of embodiment 94, wherein the fingerprint sensorcomprises a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensionalarray, each sensor element being configured to produce a signal inresponse to a finger surface placed in detectable proximity to thesensor element.

Embodiment 96

A method for enrolling a fingerprint sensor comprising:

defining an activation code to initiate an enrollment process for thefingerprint sensor;

and

enabling a user to enter the activation code into the fingerprint sensorby interacting with each of two or more distinct portions of thefingerprint sensor, wherein each of the two or more distinct portions ofthe fingerprint sensor corresponds to a uniquely-identifiable portion ofthe activation code.

Embodiment 97

The method of 96, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises a pluralityof sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, each sensorelement being configured to produce a signal in response to a fingersurface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element.

Embodiment 98

A method for enrolling a fingerprint template on a smart card having afingerprint sensor, said method comprising:

connecting one or more power transmission contacts of the smart card toa power source without connecting any data transmission contacts of thesmart card to a device configured to transmit or receive data;

automatically activating an enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensorupon a specific instance of connecting the one or more powertransmission contacts of the smart card to the power source;

enrolling a fingerprint by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor; and

upon completion of the enrolling step, automatically deactivating theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 99

The method of embodiment 98, further comprising automaticallydeactivating the enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor upondisconnecting the one or more power transmission contacts of the smartcard from the power source before completing the enrolling step.

Embodiment 100

The method of embodiment 98 or embodiment 99, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the smart card is in enrollmentmode after the specific instance of connecting the one or more powertransmission contacts of the smart card to the power source.

Embodiment 101

The method of embodiment 100, wherein the confirming indication that thesmart card is in enrollment mode comprises illuminating a light on thesmart card.

Embodiment 102

The method of any one of embodiments 98 to 101, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the enrolling step issuccessfully completed.

Embodiment 103

The method of embodiment 102, wherein the confirming indication that theenrolling step is successfully completed comprises illuminating a lighton the smart card.

Embodiment 104

The method of any one of embodiments 98 to 103, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the one or more powertransmission contacts of the smart card are connected to the powersource.

Embodiment 105

The method of embodiment 104, wherein the confirming indication that theone or more power transmission contacts of the smart card are connectedto the power source comprises illuminating a light on the smart card.

Embodiment 106

The method of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein the specificinstance is the first instance.

Embodiment 107

A method for enrolling a fingerprint template on a smart card having afingerprint sensor, said method comprising;

connecting one or more power transmission contacts of the smart card toa power source without connecting any data transmission contacts of thesmart card to a device configured to transmit data to or receive datafrom the smart card;

determining if a fingerprint template has been enrolled for thefingerprint sensor of the smart card;

if no fingerprint template has been enrolled for the fingerprint sensorof the smart card, automatically activating an enrollment mode in thefingerprint sensor upon connecting the one or more power transmissioncontacts of the smart card to the power source;

enrolling a fingerprint by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor; and

upon completion of the enrolling step, automatically deactivating theenrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 108

The method of embodiment 107, further comprising providing a confirmingindication that the smart card is in enrollment mode after the specificinstance of connecting the one or more power transmission contacts ofthe smart card to the power source.

Embodiment 109

The method of embodiment 108, wherein the confirming indication that thesmart card is in enrollment mode comprises illuminating a light on thesmart card.

Embodiment 110

The method of any one of embodiments 107 to 109, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the enrolling step issuccessfully completed.

Embodiment 111

The method of embodiment 110, wherein the confirming indication that theenrolling step is successfully completed comprises illuminating a lighton the smart card.

Embodiment 112

The method of any one of embodiments 107 to 111, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the one or more powertransmission contacts of the smart card are connected to the powersource.

Embodiment 113

The method of embodiment 112, wherein the confirming indication that theone or more power transmission contacts of the smart card are connectedto the power source comprises illuminating a light on the smart card.

Embodiment 114

The method of any one of embodiments 107 to 113, wherein the specificinstance is the first instance.

Embodiment 115

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device, including a portion disposed over the array andincluding a pattern of piercings formed in the portion of the data inputdevice disposed over the array, wherein the piercings are spatiallyassociated with one or more spatially distinct data input regions of thearray; and

a processor configured to detect a finger placed in contact with theassociated spatially distinct data input regions of the array and todetect a pattern of signals produced by the spatially distinct datainput regions contacted through the pattern of piercings.

Embodiment 116

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 115, whereinthe processor is further configured to compare the pattern of signalsdetected with a predefined pattern to determine if the pattern ofpiercings of the data input device corresponds to the predefinedpattern.

Embodiment 117

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device, including a portion disposed over the array andincluding a pattern of conductive material applied to the portion of thedata input device disposed over the array, wherein the pattern isspatially associated with one or more spatially distinct data inputregions of the array;

and

a processor configured to detect contact of the pattern of conductivematerial with the associated spatially distinct data input regions ofthe array and to detect a pattern of signals produced by the spatiallydistinct data input regions contacted by the pattern of conductivematerial.

Embodiment 118

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 117, whereinthe processor is further configured to compare the pattern of signalsdetected with a predefined pattern to determine if the pattern ofconductive material of the data input device corresponds to thepredefined pattern.

Embodiment 119

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device partially disposed over the array and including twoor more data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of a first portion of the array,and a cutout exposing a second portion of the array; and

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each datainput key via a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinctdata input regions of the array associated with that data input key andto detect variations in signals produced by sensor elements of thesecond portion of the array in detectable proximity to the fingersurface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of the fingersurface.

Embodiment 120

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 119, whereineach data input key is electrically connected to the associatedspatially distinct data input region of the array.

Embodiment 121

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 119 or 120,wherein each data input key comprises:

one or more electrically conductive key traces remotely disposed withrespect to the first portion of the sensor array and configured to beselectively touched by a user finger;

one or more conductive sensing area activation traces, each sensing areaactivation trace being disposed in detectable proximity to one datainput region of the array; and

a conductive connecting trace electrically connecting each of the one ormore electrically conductive key traces with one of the sensing areaactivation traces.

Embodiment 122

The fingerprint sensor and data input system of embodiment 121, whereinthe one or more electrically conductive key traces comprise conductivematerial applied on or embedded in the data input device.

Embodiment 123

A device including a fingerprint sensor and data input system andcomprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

two or more data input keys disposed on a portion of the device remotefrom the plurality of sensors, each data input key being coupled withone or more spatially distinct data input regions of a first portion ofthe array so that contact with the data input key results in a signalproduced by sensor elements within each spatially distinct data inputregion coupled to the data input key; and

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each datainput key via a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinctdata input regions of the array coupled with that data input key and todetect variations in signals produced by sensor elements of a secondportion of the array in detectable proximity to the finger surface thatare indicative of features of a fingerprint of the finger surface.

Embodiment 124

A method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart card containing afingerprint sensor, the method comprising:

connecting the smart card to a power source;

entering an activation code by using a finger to contact two or moredata input keys of a data input device attached to the smart card in asequence corresponding to the activation code, wherein a portion of thedata input device is positioned over a portion of the sensing area ofthe fingerprint sensor, and each data input key is associated with oneor more spatially distinct data input regions of a portion of thesensing area;

contacting the portion of the sensing area of the fingerprint sensorthat is not covered by a portion of the data input device one or moretimes with a finger to enroll a fingerprint template;

and

disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

Embodiment 125

A method for enrolling a fingerprint template on a smart card having afingerprint sensor, said method comprising:

connecting one or more power transmission contacts of the smart card toa power source without connecting any data transmission contacts of thesmart card to a device configured to transmit or receive data;

activating an enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor upon detectionof a trigger event;

enrolling a fingerprint by storing a fingerprint template derived fromone or more fingerprint images generated by placing a finger on thefingerprint sensor; and

upon completion of the enrolling step, deactivating the enrollment modein the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 126

The method of embodiment 125, wherein the trigger event comprises one ormore trigger events selected from the list consisting of:

a. user interactions with the biometric sensor assembly;

b. placing a detectable object on the biometric sensor assembly;

c. removing a detectable object from the biometric sensor assembly;

d. detecting the absence of a stored verification template;

e. detecting the presence of a stored verification template that ispartially complete;

f. detecting that power is being transmitted to the smart card for thefirst time;

g. detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to thesmart card;

h. detection that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts to derive averification template has not been reached;

I. activating an input mechanism;

j. expiration of a timer or counter;

k. occurrence of an error state;

l. detection of a flag set last time the smart card was inserted in acard reader that transmits data to or from the smart card;

m. detection that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the card;

n. detection of a trigger event by a component of the smart card otherthan the biometric sensor assembly; and

o. detection that a particular smart card has been coupled to aparticular non-data-transmitting power source.

Embodiment 127

A power source for a smart card comprising:

a power element; and

a housing comprising:

a slot configured to receive an end of the smart card; and

contacts connected to the power element, wherein the contacts contactpower transmission contact pads of the smart card and do not contactdata transmission contact pads of the smart card when the smart card isinserted into the slot to thereby connect the power transmission contactpads of the smart card to the power element.

Embodiment 128

The power source of embodiment 127, wherein the power element is abattery.

Embodiment 129

The power source of embodiment 127, wherein the power element is asocket on the power source to allow connection to a main power source.

Embodiment 130

The power source of embodiment 127, wherein the housing is made ofplastic.

Embodiment 131

The power source of embodiment 127, wherein the housing may include oneor more status indicators.

Embodiment 132

The power source of embodiment 131, where the power source furthercomprises a detector circuit that, responsive to detecting that acomponent on the smart card has modulated a power line to indicate itsstate, activates the one or more status indicators to indicate thedetected state to a user.

Embodiment 133

An overlay configured to provide power to an electronic device havingterminals for connecting a source of electric power to the electronicdevice, wherein the overlay is configured to be removably secured to asurface of the electronic device and comprises:

a film configured to conform to the surface of the electronic devicewhen secured thereto;

a power element supported on the film;

conductive material disposed on or embedded in a surface of the film,wherein the conductive material connects the power element to theterminals of the electronic device when the overlay is secured to thesurface of the electronic device; and

a circuit closure configured to enable a user to selectively close apower circuit between the power element and the terminals of theelectronic device to enable power transmission between the power elementand the electronic device.

Embodiment 134

The overlay of embodiment 133, wherein the power element comprises abattery, a solar chip, a USB plug or an NFC transceiver.

Embodiment 135

The overlay of embodiment 133 or 134, wherein the overlay furtherincludes:

a power element contact pad disposed on the film and on which the powerelement is disposed; and

a conductive contact disposed on a portion of the film that is spatiallydistinct from the power element contact pad, and wherein the conductivematerial comprises a first power connection trace extending from thepower element contact pad to a first terminal of the electronic deviceand a second power connection trace extending from the conductivecontact to a second terminal of the electronic device, and wherein thecircuit closure comprises a portion of the film on which the conductivecontact is disposed that is foldable so as to place the conductivecontact in contact with the power element disposed on the power elementcontact pad.

Embodiment 136

The overlay of embodiment 133 or 134, wherein the overlay furtherincludes:

a power element contact pad disposed on the film and on which the powerelement is disposed; and

a conductive clip positioned on the film and configured to hold thepower element in place on the power element contact pad, and wherein theconductive material comprises a first power connection trace extendingfrom the power element contact pad to a first terminal of the electronicdevice and a second power connection trace extending from the a portionof the conductive clip to a second terminal of the electronic device,and wherein the circuit closure comprises a non-conductive materialdisposed between the clip and the power element and which can be removedby a user to complete the power circuit through the power element.

Embodiment 137

The overlay of any one of embodiments 133 to 136, further comprising anadhesive on a surface of the film for removably securing the film to thesurface of the electronic device.

Embodiment 138

The overlay of any one of embodiments 133 to 137, further comprising:

one or more electrically conductive key traces disposed on the film andconfigured to be selectively touched by a user finger;

one or more conductive sensing area activation traces, each sensing areaactivation trace being disposed on the film in detectable proximity toone data input region of a two-dimensional array of sensor elements ofthe electronic device, each sensor element being configured to produce asignal in response to a finger surface placed in detectable proximity tothe sensor element; and

a conductive connecting trace disposed on the film and electricallyconnecting each of the one or more electrically conductive key traceswith one of the sensing area activation traces.

Embodiment 139

The overlay of embodiment 138, wherein the film includes a cutoutexposing a portion of the array.

Embodiment 140

The overlay of any one of embodiments 133 to 139, wherein the electronicdevice is a smart card, and the overlay covers at least a portion of asurface of the smart card.

Embodiment 141

The overlay of any one of embodiments 133 to 140, wherein the overlay isconfigured to connect to data transmission terminals of the electronicdevice.

Embodiment 142

The overlay of embodiment 141, wherein the overlay enables a wired orwireless communication channel between the data transmission terminalsof the electronic device and a second electronic device.

Embodiment 143

The overlay of embodiment 141 or 142, further comprising statusindicators configured to indicate information transmitted to or receivedfrom the data transmission terminals.

Embodiment 144

A method for enrolling a biometric template on an electronic devicehaving power terminals, data transmission terminals and a biometricsensor, the method comprising:

connecting an overlay to the electronic device, wherein the overlay isconfigured to provide power to the electronic device from a powerelement mounted on the overlay to the power terminals of the electronicdevice and to connect to the data transmission terminals of theelectronic device;

closing a power circuit between the power element and the powerterminals of the electronic device to enable power transmission betweenthe power element and the electronic device;

triggering the biometric sensor to enter an enrollment mode; and

generating the biometric template from biometric inputs from a user tothe biometric sensor.

Embodiment 145

A finger guide configured to be removably attached to a device having afingerprint sensor and comprising two or more channels, wherein eachchannel is configured to position a finger placed thereon to contact thefingerprint sensor at a different orientation.

Embodiment 146

The finger guide of embodiment 145, wherein each channel is spaced fromeach other channel by an angle in the plane of a sensing surface of thefingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 147

The finger guide of embodiment 145 or 146, wherein at least one channelpositions the finger to contact the fingerprint sensor at an elevationangle relative to the plane of the sensing surface.

Embodiment 148

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 147, wherein at leasttwo channels position the finger to contact the fingerprint sensor at anelevation angle relative to the plane of the sensing surface and whereinthe elevation angle of each of the two channels is different from theother.

Embodiment 149

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 148, wherein eachchannel is spaced 90 degrees from one other channel.

Embodiment 150

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 149, comprising a baseplate having a surface conforming or conformable to a surface of thedevice on which the finger guide is removably attached, wherein aremovable adhesive is applied to the surface of the base plate.

Embodiment 151

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 150, wherein at leastone of the channels is formed on a raised section that is adjacent tothe fingerprint sensor so that the finger placed on the channel contactsthe fingerprint sensor at an elevation angle with respect to a plane ofthe fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 152

The finger guide of embodiment 151, further comprising a front stopdisposed on an opposite side of the fingerprint sensor from the raisedsection.

Embodiment 153

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, including acutout formed therein to expose the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 154

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 153, wherein eachchannel is formed on a channel wing.

Embodiment 155 The finger guide of embodiment 154, wherein at least onechannel wing extends beyond an edge of the device when the finger guideis attached to the device in operative proximity to the fingerprintsensor.

Embodiment 156

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 155, furthercomprising a power element to provide a source of electrical power andcontacts connected to the power element, wherein the contacts contactpower transmission elements of the device when the finger guide isattached to the device to thereby connect the power transmission elementof the device to the power element.

Embodiment 157

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 145 to 156, furthercomprising a data input device partially disposed over the fingerprintsensor and including two or more data input keys, each data input keybeing associated with one or more spatially distinct data input regionsof the portion of the fingerprint sensor over which the data inputdevice is disposed.

Embodiment 158

The finger guide of any one of embodiments 146 to 157, wherein thefinger guide is configured to be moveable with respect to thefingerprint sensor to selectively place a different one of the channelsin operative proximity to the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 159

The finger guide of embodiment 158, wherein the finger guide is linearlymovable with respect to the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 160

The finger guide of embodiment 158, wherein the finger guide isrotatable with respect to the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 161

A power source and finger guide for a smart card including a fingerprintsensor comprising:

a power element;

a card holder frame comprising:

one or more card guide rails into which the smart card is inserted toposition the cardholder frame with respect to the smart card; and

contacts connected to the power element, wherein the contacts contactpower transmission contact pads of the smart card when the smart card isinserted into the card guide rail to thereby connect the powertransmission contact pads of the smart card to the power element; and

a finger guide attached to the card holder frame and comprising two ormore channels, wherein each channel is configured to position a fingerplaced thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a differentorientation.

Embodiment 162

A fingerprint sensor and data input system comprising:

a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, eachsensor element being configured to produce a signal in response to afinger surface placed in detectable proximity to the sensor element;

a data input device partially disposed over the array and including twoor more data input keys, each key being associated with one or morespatially distinct data input regions of a first portion of the array,and a cutout exposing a second portion of the array;

a processor configured to detect and distinguish contact with each datainput key via a signal produced by the one or more spatially distinctdata input regions of the array associated with that data input key andto detect variations in signals produced by sensor elements of thesecond portion of the array in detectable proximity to the fingersurface that are indicative of features of a fingerprint of the fingersurface; and

finger guide comprising two or more channels, wherein each channel isconfigured to position a finger placed thereon to contact thetwo-dimensional array at a different orientation.

Embodiment 163

A method for enrolling a fingerprint on a smart card containing afingerprint sensor, the method comprising:

connecting the smart card to a power source;

entering into an enrollment mode upon determination of a trigger event;

contacting the fingerprint sensor by placing the same finger on each oftwo or more finger guide channels configured to position the fingerplaced thereon in a unique orientation with respect to the fingerprintsensor to enroll a fingerprint template for that finger; and

disconnecting the smart card from the power source after enrolling thefingerprint template.

Embodiment 164

The method of embodiment 163, wherein the trigger event comprises one ormore trigger events selected from the list consisting of:

a. user interactions with the biometric sensor assembly;

b. placing a detectable object on the biometric sensor assembly;

c. removing a detectable object from the biometric sensor assembly;

d. detecting the absence of a stored verification template;

e. detecting the presence of a stored verification template that ispartially complete;

f. detecting that power is being transmitted to the smart card for thefirst time;

g. detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to thesmart card;

h. detection that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts to derive averification template has not been reached;

I. activating an input mechanism;

j. expiration of a timer or counter;

k. occurrence of an error state;

l. detection of a flag set last time the smart card was inserted in acard reader that transmits data to or from the smart card;

m. detection that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the card;

n. detection of a trigger event by a component of the smart card otherthan the biometric sensor assembly; and

o. detection that a particular smart card has been coupled to aparticular non-data-transmitting power source.

Embodiment 165

The method of embodiment 163 or embodiment 164, wherein enrolling thefingerprint template comprises determining that a specified number ofacceptable fingerprint sensor images has been generated for each fingerguide channel.

Embodiment 166

A method for re-enrolling a fingerprint on a smart card containing afingerprint sensor wherein at least one fingerprint template has beenpreviously enrolled, the method comprising:

A. connecting the smart card to a power source;

B. entering into a re-enrollment mode upon determination of a triggerevent;

C. contacting the fingerprint sensor by sequentially placing the samefinger on each of two or more finger guide channels configured toposition the finger placed thereon in a unique orientation with respectto the fingerprint sensor to enroll a fingerprint template for thatfinger;

D. replacing the previously enrolled fingerprint template with a newfingerprint template formed from fingerprint images generated duringstep C or updating the previously enrolled fingerprint template withfingerprint images generated during step C; and

E. disconnecting the smart card from the power source.

Embodiment 167

The method of embodiment 166, wherein the trigger event for enteringre-enrollment mode comprises one or more of inserting the card intopower source, detection of a specific instance of card connection to thepower source, detection of an existing fingerprint template alreadyenrolled, detection of a certain card inserted into a certain powersource, verifying a user by matching a finger against existingfingerprint template, entry of an activation code, receiving a signalfrom a secure element module of the card, a counter of number of usesbelow a certain threshold, the age of card below a certain threshold, amaximum number of allowable re-enrollments not yet reached, userinteractions with the sensor, placing or removing an overlay, placing orremoving a data input device in the form of an overlay or a sleeve onthe biometric sensor, and activation of an input mechanism.

Embodiment 168

A method for enrolling two or more fingerprints on a device containing afingerprint sensor, the method comprising:

A. connecting the device to a power source;

B. entering into a first enrollment mode upon determination of a triggerevent;

C. enrolling a first fingerprint template for a first finger,

D. entering a subsequent enrollment mode upon determination of a triggerevent;

E. enrolling a subsequent fingerprint template for a subsequent fingerdifferent from a previously enrolled finger;

F. determining if a required number of fingers has been enrolled;

G. if the required number of fingers has not been enrolled, return tostep D; and

H. if the required number of fingers has been enrolled, disconnectingthe smart card from the power source.

Embodiment 169

A system for enrolling a verification template of biometric data in abiometric-enabled smart card, the system comprising:

a non-data-transmitting power source configured to be coupled to thesmart card to transmit power to the smart card without transmitting datato or from the smart card, wherein the non-data-transmitting powersource comprises a power element and a receptacle configured to receivean end of the smart card; and

a biometric sensor assembly comprising one or more sensor elements andassociated circuitry for controlling operation of the one or more sensorelements and for processing signals from the one or more sensorelements,

wherein the biometric sensor assembly is configured to be installed inthe smart card whereby power is transmitted to the biometric sensorassembly when the non-data-transmitting power source is coupled to thesmart card,

wherein the biometric sensor assembly is configured to operate in anenrollment mode when power is transmitted to the biometric sensorassembly by the non-data-transmitting power source, and

wherein, when operating in enrollment mode, the biometric sensorassembly is configured to derive and store a verification template ofbiometric data from one or more biometric images generated by the one ormore sensor elements.

Embodiment 170

The system of Embodiment 169, wherein the biometric sensor assembly isconfigured to operate in an enrollment mode when thenon-data-transmitting power source is coupled to the smart card andpower is transmitted to the biometric sensor assembly combined with theoccurrence of a trigger event.

Embodiment 171

The system of Embodiment 169 or Embodiment 170, wherein the biometricsensor assembly is configured to terminate enrollment mode when thenon-data-transmitting power source is uncoupled from the smart card andpower is no longer transmitted to the biometric sensor assembly.

Embodiment 172

The system of Embodiment 169 or Embodiment 170, wherein the biometricsensor assembly is configured to terminate enrollment mode after theverification template of biometric data is stored.

Embodiment 173

The system any one of Embodiments 169 to 172, wherein the biometricsensor assembly comprises a fingerprint sensor, and the verificationtemplate is derived from one or more fingerprint images.

Embodiment 174

The system of any one of Embodiments 169 to 173, wherein thenon-data-transmitting power source comprises one or more terminalsconfigured to contact one or more corresponding power transmissioncontacts of the smart card when the non-data-transmitting power sourceis coupled to the smart card, and wherein the non-data-transmittingpower source lacks any terminals contacting data transmission contactsof the smart card when the non-data-transmitting power source is coupledto the smart card.

Embodiment 175

The system of Embodiment 170, wherein the trigger event comprises one ormore trigger events selected from the group consisting of:

a. user interactions with the biometric sensor assembly;

b. placing a detectable object on the biometric sensor assembly;

c. removing a detectable object from the biometric sensor assembly;

d. detecting the absence of a stored verification template;

e. detecting the presence of a stored verification template that ispartially complete;

f. detecting that power is being transmitted to the smart card for thefirst time;

g. detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to thesmart card;

h. detecting that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts to derive averification template has not been reached;

I. activating an input mechanism;

j. detecting that a timer or counter has not expired;

k. detecting the occurrence of an error state indicating that arecoverable error has occurred to prevent successful derivation orstoring of a verification template;

l. detection of a flag set the last time the smart card was inserted ina card reader that transmits data to or from the smart card;

m. detecting that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the smart card;

n. detection of a trigger event by a component of the smart card otherthan the biometric sensor assembly; and

o. detecting that a particular smart card has been coupled to aparticular non-data-transmitting power source.

Embodiment 176

The system of any one of Embodiments 169 to 175, wherein the powerelement is a battery, a solar cell or a socket on thenon-data-transmitting power source to allow connection to a mains powersource.

Embodiment 177

The system of any one of Embodiments 169 to 176, wherein the biometricsensor assembly comprises a fingerprint sensor and wherein thereceptacle comprises:

a card holder frame comprising one or more card guide rails into whichthe smart card is inserted to position the cardholder frame with respectto the smart card; and

a finger guide attached to the card holder frame and comprising two ormore channels, wherein each channel is configured to position a fingerplaced thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a differentorientation.

Embodiment 178

The system of Embodiment 177, wherein each channel is spaced from eachother channel by an angle in a plane of a sensing surface of thefingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 179

The system of Embodiment 178, wherein at least one of the channelspositions the finger to contact the fingerprint sensor at an elevationangle relative to the plane of the sensing surface.

Embodiment 180

The system of Embodiment 178 or Embodiment 179, wherein at least twochannels position the finger to contact the fingerprint sensor at anelevation angle relative to the plane of the sensing surface and whereinthe elevation angle of each of the two channels is different from theother.

Embodiment 181

The finger guide of any one of Embodiments 177 to 180, wherein eachchannel is spaced 90 degrees from one other channel.

Embodiment 182

A method for enrolling a biometric template on a smart card having abiometric sensor, the method comprising:

inserting an end of the smart card into a receptacle;

transmitting power to the smart card from the receptacle withouttransmitting data to or from the smart card;

causing the biometric sensor to operate in an enrollment mode;

while the biometric sensor is operating in enrollment mode, generatingone or more biometric images with the biometric sensor;

deriving at least one verification template of biometric data from theone or more biometric images;

storing the verification template; and

after storing the verification template, terminating enrollment mode inthe biometric sensor.

Embodiment 183

The method of Embodiment 182, comprising causing the biometric sensor tooperate in the enrollment mode when power is transmitted to thebiometric sensor assembly combined with the occurrence of a triggerevent.

Embodiment 184

The method of Embodiment 183, wherein the trigger even comprises one ormore trigger events selected from the group consisting of:

a. user interactions with the biometric sensor assembly;

b. placing a detectable object on the biometric sensor assembly;

c. removing a detectable object from the biometric sensor assembly;

d. detecting the absence of a stored verification template;

e. detecting the presence of a stored verification template that ispartially complete;

f. detecting that power is being transmitted to the smart card for thefirst time;

g. detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to thesmart card;

h. detecting that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts to derive averification template has not been reached;

I. activating an input mechanism;

j. detecting that a timer or counter has not expired;

k. detecting the occurrence of an error state indicating that arecoverable error has occurred to prevent successful derivation orstoring of a verification template;

l. detection of a flag set the last time the smart card was inserted ina card reader that transmits data to or from the smart card;

m. detecting that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the smart card;

n. detection of a trigger event by a component of the smart card otherthan the biometric sensor assembly; and

o. detecting that a particular smart card has been coupled to aparticular non-data-transmitting power source.

Embodiment 185

The method of any one of Embodiments 182 to 184, further comprisingautomatically terminating enrollment mode in the biometric sensor uponterminating power transmission to the smart card.

Embodiment 186

The method of any of Embodiments 182 to 184, further comprisingautomatically terminating enrollment mode in the biometric sensor afterthe verification template of biometric data is stored.

Embodiment 187

The method of any one of Embodiments 182 to 186, further comprisingproviding a confirming indication that the biometric sensor is operatingin enrollment mode.

Embodiment 188

The method of any one of Embodiments 182 to 187, further comprisingilluminating a light or lights on the smart card confirming that theverification template is stored.

Embodiment 189

The method of any one of Embodiments 182 to 188, wherein the biometricsensor comprises a fingerprint sensor, and the verification template isderived from one or more fingerprint images.

Embodiment 190

The method of Embodiment 189, wherein generating one or more biometricimages with the biometric sensor comprises instructing a user to contactthe fingerprint sensor by placing the same finger on each of two or morefinger guide channels configured to position the finger placed thereonin a different orientation with respect to the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 191

The method of Embodiment 189 or Embodiment 190, wherein deriving theleast one verification template comprises determining that a specifiednumber of acceptable fingerprint images has been generated.

Embodiment 192

A device to facilitate the enrollment of a verification template offingerprint data in a fingerprint sensor-enabled smart card, the devicecomprising:

a receptacle configured to be removably coupled to the smart card;

a power element supported on the receptacle, wherein the receptacle isconfigured to transmit power from the power element to the fingerprintsensor of the smart card when the receptacle is coupled to the smartcard;

a finger guide attached to the receptacle and comprising two or morefinger guide channels, wherein the finger guide is configured so thateach finger guide channel is adjacent the fingerprint sensor of thesmart card when the receptacle is coupled to the smart card, and whereineach finger guide channel is configured to position a finger placedthereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a different orientation;and

two or more status indicators, wherein each status indicator isassociated with one finger guide channel and is configured to instructthe user with respect to the placement and removal of the user's fingerwith respect to the associated finger guide channel.

Embodiment 193

The device of embodiment 192, wherein the receptacle comprises one ormore terminals configured to contact one or more corresponding powertransmission contacts on the surface of the smart card when thereceptacle is coupled to the smart card.

Embodiment 194

The device of embodiment 192 or embodiment 193, wherein the powerelement is a battery, a solar cell, or a socket connected to thereceptacle to allow connection to a mains power source.

Embodiment 195

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 194, wherein the receptaclecomprises a card holder frame into which the smart card is inserted tocouple the cardholder frame to the smart card.

Embodiment 196

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 195, wherein each fingerguide channel is spaced from each other finger guide channel by an anglein a plane of a sensing surface of the fingerprint sensor.

Embodiment 197

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 196, wherein at least one ofthe finger guide channels positions the finger to contact thefingerprint sensor at an elevation angle relative to the plane of thesensing surface.

Embodiment 198

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 197, wherein each fingerguide channel is spaced 90 degrees from one other finger guide channel.

Embodiment 199

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 198, wherein the statusindicators comprise one or more of a light source, an audio source, avibrating element, and a graphic display.

Embodiment 200

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 199, wherein the statusindicators comprise light sources disposed on the receptacle.

Embodiment 201

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 200, wherein the statusindicators comprise light sources disposed on the smart card that arevisible at a surface of the receptacle when the receptacle is coupled tothe smart card.

Embodiment 202

The device of embodiment 201, wherein the receptacle comprises graphicelements associating each of the light sources disposed on the smartcard with at least one of the finger guide channels.

Embodiment 203

The device of embodiment 201, wherein the receptacle comprises lightpipes configured to transmit light from each of the light sourcesdisposed on the smart card to a surface location on the receptacleassociated with at least one of the finger guide channels.

Embodiment 204

The device of embodiment 201, wherein the receptacle comprises a photodetect circuit configured to detect light from each of the light sourcesdisposed on the smart card and to activate a status indicator on thereceptacle that is associated with at least one of the finger guidechannels.

Embodiment 205

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 204, wherein the statusindicators are powered by the power element when the receptacle iscoupled to the smart card, and wherein the receptacle includes a switchconfigured to close a power circuit from the power element to the statusindicators when the receptacle is coupled to the smart card and to openthe power circuit from the power element to the status indicators whenthe receptacle is uncoupled from the smart card.

Embodiment 206

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 205, further comprising adetector circuit configured to detect a signal from the smart card toactivate the status indicators.

Embodiment 207

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 206, wherein the receptaclecomprises an injection molded plastic.

Embodiment 208

The device of any one of embodiments 192 to 197, wherein device isunable to transmit data between the device and any device other than thesmart card.

Embodiment 209

A method for enrolling a fingerprint template on a smart card having afingerprint sensor, the method comprising:

A. transmitting power to the smart card from a power source removablycoupled to the smart card, the power source including a power elementthat provides power to the fingerprint sensor and a finger guidecomprising two or more finger guide channels positioned adjacent to thefingerprint sensor of the smart card when the power source is coupled tothe smart card, and wherein each finger guide channel is configured toposition a finger placed thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at adifferent orientation; and

B. during step A, instructing the user with respect to the placement andremoval of the user's finger with respect to each finger guide channelwith a status indicator associated with the finger guide channel.

Embodiment 210

The method of claim 209, wherein the status indicators comprise lightsources disposed on the power source, and step B comprises selectivelychanging the light status of each light source to instruct the user toplace the finger on or remove the finger from the associated fingerguide channel.

Embodiment 211

The method of embodiment 209 or embodiment 210, wherein the statusindicators comprise light sources disposed on the smart card which arevisible to the user, and step B comprises providing graphic elements ona surface of the power source instructing the user to place the fingeron or remove the finger from a finger guide channel based on anillumination status of the associated light source.

Embodiment 212

The method of any one of embodiments 209 to 211, wherein the statusindicators comprise light sources disposed on the smart card, and step Bcomprises transmitting light from each of the light sources disposed onthe smart card to a surface location on the power source associated withat least one of the finger guide channels.

Embodiment 213

The method of any one of embodiments 209 to 212, wherein the statusindicators comprise light sources disposed on the smart card, and step Bcomprises detecting light from each of the light sources disposed on thesmart card and activating a status indicator on the receptacle that isassociated with at least one of the finger guide channels.

Embodiment 214

The method of any one of embodiments 209 to 213, further comprising,during step B:

generating two or more fingerprint images with the fingerprint sensor byinstructing a user to contact the fingerprint sensor by placing the samefinger on each of the two or more finger guide channels of the fingerguide to position the finger placed thereon in a different orientationwith respect to the fingerprint sensor;

deriving at least one verification template of fingerprint data from thetwo or more fingerprint images; and

storing the verification template.

Embodiment 215

The method of any one of embodiments 209 to 214, comprising causing thefingerprint sensor to operate in an enrollment mode when power istransmitted to the fingerprint sensor during step A combined with theoccurrence of a trigger event.

Embodiment 216

The method of embodiment 215, wherein the trigger even comprises one ormore trigger events selected from the group consisting of:

a. user interactions with the fingerprint sensor;

b. placing a detectable object on the fingerprint sensor;

c. removing a detectable object from the fingerprint sensor;

d. detecting the absence of a stored verification template;

e. detecting the presence of a stored verification template that ispartially complete;

f. detecting that power is being transmitted to the smart card for thefirst time;

g. detecting a specified instance of power being transmitted to thesmart card;

h. detecting that a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts to derive averification template has not been reached;

i. activating an input mechanism;

j. detecting that a timer or counter has not expired;

k. detecting the occurrence of an error state indicating that arecoverable error has occurred to prevent successful derivation orstoring of a verification template;

l. detection of a flag set the last time the smart card was inserted ina card reader that transmits data to or from the smart card;

m. detecting that the smart card has been connected to a power sourcethat does not transmit data to or from the smart card;

n. detection of a trigger event by a component of the smart card otherthan the fingerprint sensor; and

o. detecting that a particular smart card has been coupled to aparticular device.

Embodiment 217

The method of embodiment 215, further comprising automaticallyterminating enrollment mode in the fingerprint sensor upon terminatingpower transmission to the smart card.

Embodiment 218

The method of embodiment 215, further comprising providing a confirmingindication that the fingerprint sensor is operating in enrollment mode.

Embodiment 219

The method of embodiment 214, further comprising activating one or morestatus indicators confirming that the verification template is stored.

Embodiment 220

The method of any one of embodiments 209 to 219, wherein during step B,the status indicators are selectively changed in a sequence thatincludes all of the finger guide channels, moving from one finger guidechannel to another after an acceptable image has been gathered at theprevious finger guide channel.

While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shownin considerable detail with reference to certain illustrativeembodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations offeatures, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate otherembodiments and variations and modifications thereof as encompassedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the descriptionsof such embodiments, combinations, and sub-combinations is not intendedto convey that the claimed subject matter requires features orcombinations of features other than those expressly recited in theclaims. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to includeall modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scopeof the following appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for enrolling a fingerprinttemplate on a smart card having a processor, a data storage element, andfingerprint sensor, the method comprising: temporarily attaching a datainput device to the smart card; connecting the smart card to a powersource; detecting an activation code entered by a user interacting withthe data input device; comparing the detected activation code with apredefined activation code stored in the data storage element; if thedetected activation code matches the predefined activation code,enrolling a fingerprint template from fingerprint data received from thefingerprint sensor; and after enrolling the fingerprint template,removing the smart card from the data input device and the power source,wherein the detecting step, the comparing step, and the enrolling stepare performed by the processor without transmitting data from either thepower source or the data input device to any device other than the smartcard.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing thepredefined activation code to the user separately from the data inputdevice.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the predefinedactivation code comprises transmitting the predefined activation code tothe user by one of telephone, text message, and on-line download.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements, and the data input devicecomprises two or more keys, each key being operatively associated with adifferent spatially-distinct data input region of the array.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements, and the detecting stepcomprises detecting activation of different spatially distinct regionsof the array of sensor elements via the user interacting with the datainput device.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling auser to enter the activation code into the fingerprint sensor byinteracting with each of two or more distinct portions of thefingerprint sensor, wherein each of the two or more distinct portions ofthe fingerprint sensor corresponds to a uniquely-identifiable portion ofthe activation code.
 7. A system comprising; a smart card comprising afingerprint sensor for authenticating a user of the smart card; a datastorage element integrated with the smart card and storing an activationcode; a data input device temporarily coupled to the smart card; a powersource coupled to the smart card; and a processor integrated with thesmart card and configured to translate a code input by a userinteracting with the data input device and to compare the code input bythe user with the stored activation code, and to enroll a fingerprinttemplate from fingerprint data received from the fingerprint sensor ifthe detected activation code matches the stored activation code, whereinneither the power source nor the data input device is able to transmitdata to any device other than the smart card.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the data input device and the power source are disposed on acommon support element.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the commonsupport element comprises an overlay configured to be secured to asurface of the smart card.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the commonsupport element comprise a sleeve, and wherein sleeve is configured toreceive the smart card inserted therein.
 11. The system of claim 7,wherein the data input device is coupled to the fingerprint sensor. 12.The system of claim 11, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements, and the data input devicecomprises two or more keys, each key being operatively associated with adifferent spatially-distinct data input region of the array.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises atwo-dimensional array of sensor elements, and the data input devicecomprises an overlay placed over the array with two or more holes, eachhole defining a data input key through which the user may contact aspatially distinct control area of the array.
 14. The system of claim 7,wherein the power source comprises a battery supported on a receptacle,and wherein the receptacle includes a slot configured to receive aportion of the smart card inserted therein to couple the smart card tothe battery.
 15. The system of claim 7, further comprising a statusindicator, wherein the status indicator provides an indication to theuser regarding enrolment of the fingerprint template.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the status indicator is an LED, a screen, or a soundemitting unit.